18 May 2022

Vice President Slumber Tsogwane says life in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region is steadily getting back to normal.

Briefing the media upon arrival from Mozambique at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport yesterday, he said the situation was getting better with more people who had fled the region reportedly returning to their homesteads.

“Though this is the case it does not translate into a fulfilled and completed mission since demands are ongoing for the joint militaries from supporting countries to avail special resources which will enable full eradication of the insurgents across the region,” he said.

The vice president explained that the Cabo Delgado terrain was characterised by thick-busy forests which demanded special technologies to aid the troops in their mission to eradicate the remaining rebels.

About the trip, Mr Tsogwane said it was intended to give Botswana’s second contingent deployed to Cabo Delgado moral support. 

“We were able to visit our offices and the SAMIM head of mission Professor Mpho Molomo and the force commander from the Republic of South Africa,” he said.

He informed the media that he was accompanied by both ruling party and opposition MPs as well as an opposition leader outside Parliament.

MP for Ghanzi South Mr Motsamai Motsamai of the Umbrella for Democratic Change expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity that government afforded them to get first-hand information about the extent of Botswana’s involvement in the resolution of conflict in Mozambique.

Mr Motsamai said in future, Botswana Defence Force should be allocated enough funds to boost its military capabilities.

 They had fewer resources but their intervention efforts were greater, he said.

Another member of the delegation, Real Alternative Party leader Mr Gaontebale Mokgosi said the situation in Mueda was quite devastating and applauded Botswana for assisting Mozambique to avert a civil war.

By nature, civil wars were disastrous as they were fast-spreading and if not dealt with decisively they could spread to other countries, he said.

The delegation also included Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Defence and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi, Gaborone Central MP, Mr Tumisang Healy, MP for Palapye Mr Onneetse Ramogapi and Ghanzi North MP Mr John Thite. ends