24 Jul 2017

The Government of Botswana has followed the recent local media commentary on the planned private visit by the Dalai Lama to attend a three day conference entitled “Botho / Ubuntu. A dialogue with the Dalai Lama spiritualist, science and humanity,” scheduled for August 17-19, 2017.

As indicated in our press release of July 14, 2017, while we in Botswana enjoy the freedom to criticise one another, let us not allow ourselves to be manipulated into betraying the fundamental principles that are the foundation of free peoples everywhere.

However, we are disappointed that some Botswana journalists, editors, academics and political leaders were recently hosted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China in efforts towards thwarting the visit of the Dalai Lama to the Republic of Botswana.

We find it hypocritical that some people who have sworn to uphold issues such as those of freedom of speech, promotion of the rule of law and human rights have been used by others to undermine our unity and democracy, especially those who in their own countries view these as a threat to their existence.

It is hypocritical to use our values of freedom to advance or justify their suppression of the same elsewhere.

It remains our considered position that principles of freedom, democracy and good governance will be our guiding light in this regard, as well as the observance of fundamental human rights and dignity for all. BGCIS