26 Jun 2025

The milestone of Mozambique’s 50th anniversary of independence is celebrated by Botswana as a sister Southern African Development Community (SADC) state with pride, as the two nations share strong historical ties rooted on shared values, mutual respect and common aspirations.

Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting expressed the sentiments during the commemoration of Mozambique’s golden jubilee independence in Gaborone yesterday evening. Extending Botswana’s congratulations to government and people of Mozambique on their occasion, she said that the two states and their peoples had journeyed together in the quest for regional liberation.

“Botswana attaches great importance to its strong historical ties with Mozambique. Our two countries enjoy cordial relations rooted on shared values, mutual respect and common aspirations. We fondly recall that in 1963, Mozambique’s founding President Samora Machel, spent three months in our town, Lobatse, en-route to Tanzania, to join the FRELIMO movement in exile. It was in Lobatse that the late President Machel and fellow freedom fighters found refuge, support, and an important base for Mozambique’s independence,” Ms Mophuting said.

She added that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Botswana and Mozambique in 1975, bilateral cooperation had grown exponentially, coverings trade, agriculture, energy, defence and security, road infrastructure, tourism, and culture.

“As we celebrate, let us be reminded of the need to work collectively in addressing the pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, youth unemployment, inequality, and insecurity,” Ms Mophuting said.

Mozambique’s High Commissioner to Botswana, Mr Antonio Macheve said the celebrations held under the theme, 'Consolidating National Unity, Peace and Sustainable Development', afforded their nation an opportunity to celebrate with neighbouring states.

“As we reflect on our progress, we are reminded of those who walked with us, stood beside us, and believed in our potential. Botswana is one such friend- a longstanding ally, a true brother in the Southern African family,” the Higher Commissioner said.

He said that commemorations in Botswana had begun yesterday morning at the Samora Machel Museum in Lobatse, “a symbol of Botswana solidarity and support to the Mozambican liberation struggle,” built at the home of the late Mr John Kgaboesele, a Motswana who hosted Mozambique’s founding President for three months in 1963 during the latter’s political exile.

“Botswana provided the second major contingent in the SADC mission to combat terrorism in Cabo Delgado. Botswana always extends a hand of support when Mozambicans are devastated by cyclones or floods,” Mr Macheve said.

Additionally, the Mozambican envoy stressed that the two nation’s diplomatic relations, formalised soon after his nation’s independence, had since matured into a relationship built on trust and mutual respect.

“Since 2005, we have cooperated in areas ranging from trade and agriculture to energy and transport. I note with satisfaction that President Advocate Duma Boko was the first head of state to honour the Mozambican people with a visit after the inauguration of the President of Mozambique, Mr Daniel Chapo early this year,” Mr Macheve said.

He called for enhanced trade between Botswana and Mozambique, and for improved rail, road and air transportation links connecting the two territories. ENDS