25 Aug 2022

Botswana continues to reap the benefits of its decades-old diplomatic relations with the US, Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Dr Gladys Mokhawa has stated

Speaking in Gaborone Wednesday on the occasion of US independence day, which falls on July 4,  she said the US had pledged P2m towards a project for training women active or interested in politics across the country.

 The aim was to increase participation of women in politics at grassroots level which she said was essential for broadening participation and strengthening democracy in Botswana.

  Dr Mokhawa said Botswana stood to benefit from the Power Africa initiative aimed at adding  over 30 000 megawatts of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity and connecting 60 million new homes and businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.

 She said Botswana had benefited immensely from US bipartisan programmes such as PEPFAR, AGOA as well as cooperation in areas of military, law enforcement and conservation among others. 

Dr Mokhawa applauded the US for the support it extended to Botswana at the height of the  COVID-19 pandemic including a  contribution of P56m. 

“Such generosity proved critical during difficult times, particularly at a time when the US herself was faced with the challenges of the pandemic,” she said.

  The permanent secretary also noted that the US had over the years opened its institutions and provided opportunities for Batswana.

      Dr Mokhawa praised US President Joe Biden’s administration for striving for a more realistic and transparent policy towards Africa based on strategic alliances and mutual partnerships.

“We look forward to the new Africa Strategy, which will be released shortly. We believe this gesture will undoubtedly present new opportunities and usher refreshing relations with Africa,”  she said.

US Embassy public affairs officer, Ms Amanda Jacobsen, recognised Botswana’s leaders  for forging strong relationships between the two states.

“The people of the United States appreciate and honour our enduring partnership. We look forward to building on this consequential relationship in the years to come,” she said.

Ms Jacobsen commended Botswana for its deep respect for democracy, human rights and good governance  which she said embodied the spirit on which the US nation was founded.

“In many ways, the Declaration of Independence adopts the guiding values of botho, including its respect for fellow citizens, the collective responsibility of society, and the importance of being a good human being,” she stated.

Ms Jaconsen said strengthening democracy in the US was a critical part of President Biden’s foreign policy vision explaining that the country could not be a credible advocate for democracy and human rights abroad without demonstrating commitment to such principles at home.

The US, she said,  was proud of the role it had played in advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms across the globe.

“These are the ideals laid out in the Declaration of Independence, and they are the guiding force for our work at home and abroad,” said Ms Jacobsen. 

She praised Botswana for making strides during its 56-year history in expanding the rights of marginalised citizens and for committing itself to diversity and inclusion.

Ms Jaconsen said the 2021 Court of Appeal decision regarding the LGBTQI+ community symbolised commitment to human rights and inclusion.

“This was a strong message to the world about defending the rights of all citizens. President Masisi underscored this when he met with LGBTQI+ activists soon afterwards and pledged the government’s support for the community. This was a remarkable and noble step for a head of state,” she said.

She particularly applauded the country for making major progress on the UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV/AIDS targets.

“Last month in Montreal, Canada, at the International AIDS Conference, the world learned that Botswana had achieved and exceeded the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets: with 95 per cent of the population being aware of their HIV status, 98 per cent of those on treatment and 98 per cent of those are virally suppressed.

 In other words, Botswana is at 95-98-98 and nearing HIV epidemic control,” she stated.

Ms Jacobsen attributed the achievement to Botswana’s partnership with PEPFAR.BOPA