15 Nov 2023

There is a need for SADC to renew its commitment to wars against terrorism currently taking place in the region, especially in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The Member of Parliament for Mahalapye West, Mr David Tshere made the plea on Monday during his contribution to the State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA). 

He said the war on terrorism was not just a short term effort, but a continuous mission which needed total commitment by member states. This is not a Botswana mission, but it is a joint problem for the whole SADC region, the African Union and even the United Nations,” he said. 

Mr Tshere also said the commitment by each member state was important as it would also guarantee similar assistance to other member states in their times of need. 

“Supporting Mozambique and DRC in this time of need will be a sign of solidarity and brotherhood, and as a country, we also need to participate because you never know when you will need similar assistance,” he said. 

Mr Tshere also applauded government for its position on taking a neutral stand whenever a conflict between independent nations occurred, citing the Ukraine-Russia and the Israel-Hamas conflicts. 

“It is a good decision by government to take the side of peace and security rather than siding with one country involved in a conflict,” he said. 

He also advised government to increase the capacity and capability of the Thebephatshwa Airbase to put it in a position to effectively defend the country should the need arise. 

He said that capacitating the camp would also deter any would-be attacker in Botswana. 

He, however, said that the enabling of the airbase should not ruffle the Southern African region as the country would not attack any member state under the government of the Umbrella for Democratic Change. 

“As the UDC we would respect the sovereignty of member states if we are given power,” he said. Shifting his focus to the SONA, Mr Tshere said the address would have been better if it was supported by statistics to better gauge the country’s progress. Ends