26 Jul 2021

Part of the 296 Botswana Defence Force (BDF) troops assigned to the SADC mission in Mozambique left  for the country July 27.

Sending off the 70-person strong contingent, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi implored them to emulate their predecessors who were involved in previous peacekeeping missions such as Somalia’s Operation Restore Hope, UNOMOZ I & II in Mozambique, as part of the UN observer mission in Rwanda and Lesotho’s BOLEAS.

He said  as Botswana’s flag bearers, they should exhibit the highest level of professionalism during their deployment and hold on to Batswana’s value system, particularly Botho, which would guide them in the adversity of conflict.

Dr Masisi further cautioned the contingent that as they faced a deceptive enemy likely to use asymmetric warfare, unconventional and underhand tactics against them and the population they would be protecting, they should remain professional and avoid sinking to the enemy’s level. 

He advised them to observe the Laws of Armed Conflict as prescribed internationally as well as the Status of Force Agreement establishing the framework under which the mission personnel would operate in Mozambique.

Noting that BDF troops were undertaking the mission under the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, President Masisi encouraged them to stay safe at all times by focusing on the public health protocols aimed at combating the global threat to humankind. 

The deployment, he said, came at a time when Botswana was facing economic challenges exacerbated to a great extent by the pandemic which continued to inflict enormous health, economic and social damage on all nations.

The mission would therefore be undertaken on a cost sharing basis between the SADC Secretariat and personnel contributing countries, President Masisi said.

He said Botswana’s commitment to regional and international peace remained steadfast and undiminished as evidenced by BDF’s previous involvement in peacekeeping operations.

Dr Masisi said throughout the mentioned deployments, BDF personnel received positive appraisal for professional conduct in the execution of their duties and as true ambassadors of Botswana’s historical and enduring national values of being a rule-based society.

Joining the 842-member SADC standby force, BDF troops will help provide  support to Mozambique’s efforts to combat the threat of terrorism and acts of violent extremism in the country’s Cabo Delgado region. Ends