04 Jul 2022

 Botswana and Zambia have signed two memoranda of agreement on defence cooperation and military training as well as mutual assistance on criminal matters and an extradition treaty. 

The two countries signed during the 23rd Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security that was held in Kasane recently. Speaking at the end of the four-day meeting, Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi emphasised the need to implement resolutions within agreed times.

 He said the signing of the agreements was clear indication of commitment to ensuring peace and security for both countries. 

Thus, failure to implement resolutions would undermine the efforts invested during the four-day session. 

“Criminals’ lack of regard for safety, sovereignty and borders has proven to be a threat to defence and security efforts hence the need for proper coordination and synchronised efforts by Botswana and Zambia to effectively deal with the challenge of organised trans-national crime,” Minister Mmusi said. Zambia’s defence minister, Mr Ambrose Lufuma reiterated Minister Mmusi’s sentiments that the two delegations should ensure the MoAs and treaty were actualised before the 24th JPC session to be held in Zambia next year. 

The agreement on defence cooperation and military training seeks to provide legal framework for defence cooperation and military training for the two countries. Under the mutual assistance on criminal matters, Botswana and Zambia will cooperate and share information about criminal activities in order to suppress transnational crime.

The extradition treaty, signed by Minister of Justice, Mr Machana Shamukuni and Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr Jacob Mwiimbu, will enable Botswana and Zambia to extradite those wanted for prosecution in either of the countries. 

Also present at the JPC was High Commissioner of Botswana to Zambia, Mr Alpheus Matlhaku and Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Ms Annah Mokgethi and other senior government officials. The JPC session, held under the theme, Crossing the Bridge to Enhance Partnership in Defence and Security, deliberated on issues of mutual interest in the areas of defence and security which had occurred since the last session last year. The meeting also reviewed progress made in the implementation of the resolutions of the 22nd session that was held in Zambia in 2019.ENDS