16 Jan 2019

Batswana living in Zimbabwe and Kenya are reported to be safe following the turmoil that has erupted in the two countries.

Director of public relations in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Tebelelo Boang said in an interview that the ministry was monitoring the safety of Batswana through the ministry’s Africa Department at the missions.

So far no Batswana had been reported injured in all the areas where the chaotic incidents occurred, he said.
Mr Boang however said the ministry had advised Batswana travelling outside the country to always register with Botswana missions for purposes of accounting for their stay and safety and for making contingency plans in the event problems arose.

In Zimbabwe,  violence erupted following the weekend announcement by the country’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the more than 100 per cent rise in petrol and diesel prices.

Protesters turned back drivers and blocked buses from carrying passengers in Zimbabwe’s two main cities of Harare and Bulawayo. In Kenya, extremists launched a deadly attack in Nairobi, sending people fleeing in panic as explosions and heavy gunfire reverberated in the city.

However, according to Reuters, the situation that left about 15 people dead, had been brought under control.

Reports indicate that the Somali-based extremist group Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. Ends