03 Sep 2026

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and Namibia Defence Force (NDF) have reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security through the launch of joint military exercise, Tshwaragano III.

Officially launching the exercise in Lobatse on Wednesday, acting BDF Commander, Lieutenant General Joseph Seelo said the initiative provided a vital platform for both forces to deepen operational effectiveness and exchange professional knowledge.

Lt. Gen. Seelo underscored that the evolving security landscape required strong cross-border collaboration.

“Many of the challenges confronting the region today have no respect for national borders. 

They require cooperation, coordination and a shared understanding of our respective capabilities. 

No nation can effectively confront complex security challenges in isolation,” he said.

He highlighted that exercises like Tshwaragano served as necessary instruments for regional preparedness to allow personnel to test systems, refine procedures and strengthen collective action capabilities. 

He emphasised that the exercise also built long-term trust, mutual respect and professional relationships between the two neighbouring nations.

He urged participants to embody the meaning of Tshwaragano, unity, solidarity and cooperation, given that Botswana and Namibia shared both a border and deep-rooted history of friendship.

Exercise director, Brigadier Modisane Ponyane traced the initiative back to November 2012, during the 22nd session of the Botswana-Namibia Joint Commission on Defence and Security in Gaborone. 

The commission established a bi-annual rotational exercise to enhance operational effectiveness, combat trans-border crime and address regional security concerns.

Brig. Ponyane noted that Tshwaragano III marked a significant milestone and for the first time, the exercise features a joint command simulation. 

“This initiative trains commanders and staff on shared communication platforms and real-time crisis scenarios adhering to African Union and United Nations Peace Support Operations doctrines,” he said.

Namibia Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Junior Grade Davidson Mwoombola, expressed gratitude to the Lobatse district authorities and the Combat Service Support College for hosting the event.

Running from August 31 to September 11, Exercise Tshwaragano III continues under the theme of enhancing joint cooperation, interoperability and strategic partnership between the two military forces. ENDS