15 May 2022

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has expressed concern about former president Lt General Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s conduct which he said was aimed at tarnishing Botswana’s image in the international arena. 

He informed Botswana’s envoys during a meeting at Office of the President Thursday that the Permanent Secretary to the President had been assigned to respond to the negative utterances about government made by General Khama. “But such responses should be carried out with the honour and respect and within the full understanding of the cultural norms and ethos of Botswana,” Dr Masisi said. He said while mindful of the former president’s status, it was equally important for government to respond to some of his utterances. 

Imploring the envoys to relentlessly defend, protect and promote the country’s image and interests, he urged them to ensure that such utterances did not tannish Botswana’s image internationally. 

The responses, he said, should also be done in accordance with the laws of Botswana and respectful of the former president’s status. 

President Masisi urged the envoys to always be on the alert about the country’s output in the international arena and its relations. 

“It is important to get frequent updates on what is going on internally in order to seek opportunities for the country and build ties internationally and promote Botswana in all aspects,” he said. 

The President said the foreign affairs ministry played an important role of providing a platform for government to reach out and interact with the world. 

The ministry therefore needed to develop and sharpen diplomats’ skills as well as equip them with the necessary content to enable them to promote Botswana’s interests globally, he said. ends