22 Feb 2016

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama, has expressed hope that the recent visit by United States of America (USA) senators can lead to Botswana getting more assistance on anti-poaching activities.

The delegation met Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi and Mr Khama while in Gaborone for a two-day visit. Mr Khama said in an interview that in their discussions with the US delegation, they solicited for assistance on intensifying tackling poaching of wildlife.

He said there was provision for funding and the US government would consider how to help on anti-poaching activities following their delegation’s tour of Sub-Saharan Africa countries.

Again, the minister said their deliberations with the US delegation were fruitful and was hoping for something tangible to come from the visit.

On one hand, US ambassador to Botswana, Mr Earl Miller explained to the media on February 19 that the delegation came to personally appreciate poaching challenges in Southern Africa. “The visit highlights commitment to the partnership between US and Africa in the fight against the global threat of poaching,” Mr Miller said.

He said rhinos and elephants were facing most threat posed by poachers.

While the delegation expressed satisfaction at the strides made by Botswana government in wildlife conservation and the fight against poaching, Senator Christopher Coons explained that the country must make more effort in finding regional solutions to poaching problems.

Meanwhile, the five member delegation, led by Senator Jeff Flake, was visiting several Southern African countries with a view to appreciate challenges relating to regional wildlife poaching and trafficking.

The delegation also held discussions with defence, justice and security minister, Mr Shaw Kgathi. Ends