03 Oct 2017

The 21st session of Botswana-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security is expected to enhance bilateral co-operations between the two SADC member states.

In a meeting which started yesterday, Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Commander, Lt Gen. Placid Segokgo said the commission would also enhance efforts by both countries to improve defence and security issues.

The meeting, which ends tomorrow, is attended by senior officials from Botswana and high ranking officials from Zambia led by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Stardy Mwale. Lt Gen. Segokgo said the partnership through the commission highlighted the two countries’ commitment to improving cooperation on defence and security matters.

“This bilateral cooperation arrangement between the two countries has also worked to advance the various objectives of the SADC including the strategic indicative plan for the organ,” he said.

He explained that Botswana was doing her part through the bilateral arrangement to prevent and reduce conflicts so as to strengthen and maintain regional stability, peace and security.

However, he said transnational organised crime still posed a significant challenge to regional peace and security.

He added that wildlife offences and smuggling of contraband were also a challenge, particularly incidents of human trafficking and poaching between the two country borders.

“We thus need to double our efforts in these areas,” he said adding he was confident that the Botswana-Zambia partnership would produce better returns in the coming months and years.

On the other hand, Mr Mwale said the commission on defence and security continued to play a pivotal role in addressing security concerns which included poaching, drug and human trafficking as well as other border violations between the two countries.

He said the meetings offered the two nations another opportunity to come up with strategies aimed at addressing problems collectively.

In the meantime, ministers responsible for defence and security portfolios in both countries are expected to hold official ministerial meetings tomorrow.

In other issues, Lt Gen Segokgo told the meeting that Batswana were still reeling from the passing of the second President of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire.

“Notable in this regard is the fact that the nation of Zambia among other countries was united with Botswana in mourning one of the pioneers of the Pan Africanist Movement, which sought liberation of the African continent.

Your empathy and acknowledgement of our late president’s deeds towards the emancipation of Southern Africa will not be lost to us and we remain grateful and humbled by the outpouring of compassion exhibited by the nation of Zambia during our loss,” he said.

Meanwhile, at end the end of the three-day meeting, both countries are expected to have a report on the way forward on issues discussed at the high level meetings including issues of defence, public security and state security. ENDS