02 Sep 2025

 The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, Mr Albert Barume, has hailed President Advocate Duma Boko’s fortitude in the fight for the rights of indigenous people.

The Special Rapporteur, who is visiting the country from September 1 to 10 on a fact-finding mission, expressed his admiration for President Boko’s advocacy for the rights of indigenous people during a courtesy call at the Office of the President yesterday.

 “I have listened to some of your speeches on rights of indigenous people, particularly the Basarwa and was impressed.  I thank you on behalf of indigenous people in Africa and globally,” Mr Barume said.

He said the rights of indigenous people in many African countries had been left behind, and they most were treated as sub-humans, exposed to dehumanising conditions of life. He said President Boko’s stance on human rights was inspirational.

In response, President Boko said Botswana, like other African countries was faced challenges with the rights of indigenous people, particularly Basarwa.

He said that prior to the Roy Sesana and others case against government, the constitution protected the rights of indigenous people within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), as it recognised their free movement within the reserve.

President Boko, who represented Basarwa in asserting their rights, said the constitution was amended to restrict their movement and stopped provision of basic services such as water. 

However, President Boko said Basarwa took the matter to court and won the case. He said from their court victory arose difficulties, as indigenous people were now required to have permits to enter the reserve, adding that another difficulty from the case was regarding the number of claimants, as the government’s position was that claimants were only those who signed the power of attorney during the case.

He said the claimants’ contention led to the case of the late Pitseng Gaoberekwe, who could not be buried in the reserve, which was his ancestral land.

He added that when he assumed presidency, the new government repealed  the judgment it had obtained from the Court of Appeal to correct the wrongs and Gaoberekwe was subsequently buried in the reserve.

Advocate Boko explained that government stance was influenced by the its human rights approach, which included protection and upholding the rights of indigenous people.

He said there was a disproportionate disparity between the indigenous people and dominant communities living in their surroundings.

The President further noted that in February, he set up an Inter-ministerial Committee that held consultation meeting across the country to assess the human rights conditions of indigenous people.and write a report.

Furthermore, President Boko assured the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous People and his team of government support during their mission in the country.

“We lay bare before you to examine us so that you may advise us,”  President  Boko said. ENDS