President Advocate Duma Boko has firmly refuted recent allegations suggesting he received cattle or similar gifts from Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, calling the claims baseless propaganda aimed at tarnishing his administration and misinforming the public.
In a statement released by the Office of the President, President Boko categorically denied involvement in farming or cattle ranching, emphasizing that his relationship with President Mnangagwa is strictly diplomatic and grounded in mutual respect and collaboration between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Debunking the Allegations
The statement was clear in addressing the rumors, which it described as a deliberate act of misinformation:
“The Office of the President categorically refutes false allegations that President Duma Boko has received any breed of cows or similar gifts from His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.”
The Office further clarified that President Boko has never engaged in farming, let alone cattle ranching, dismissing the allegations as a fabricated attempt to detract from his administration’s critical work.
Propaganda and Misinformation
President Boko’s administration attributed the claims to elements seeking to derail Botswana’s diplomatic efforts and undermine public trust:
“These baseless and unfounded claims are therefore a deliberate act of propaganda designed to mislead the public, detract from the critical work of the administration, and tarnish the strong diplomatic relations between Botswana and Zimbabwe.”
The statement also highlighted the growing concern about misinformation being propagated by individuals posing as journalists. President Boko called on the Botswana Editors Forum to safeguard the public from such “rogue elements” who prioritize sensationalism over journalistic integrity.
Strong Diplomatic Ties with Zimbabwe
Despite the controversy, President Boko reaffirmed the robust and cooperative relationship between Botswana and Zimbabwe. He emphasized that his engagements with President Mnangagwa are focused on advancing shared goals, including economic growth, regional stability, and cross-border development.
“The relationship between President Boko and President Mnangagwa remains diplomatic, focused solely on strengthening cooperation and fostering mutual development between the two nations,” the statement read.
This underscores the importance of Botswana’s foreign policy in fostering mutually beneficial ties with neighboring countries, free from personal gain or corruption.
Public Reaction and Government’s Stand
The allegations have sparked debate among Batswana, with many expressing skepticism over the claims. President Boko’s decisive response has been praised by some as a necessary measure to preserve the integrity of the Office of the President and maintain public confidence.
The administration has urged the public to dismiss these rumors:
“We urge the public to dismiss these misleading allegations with the contempt they deserve.”
Commitment to Transparency and Development
President Boko’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability. By addressing the allegations head-on, the government has sought to maintain focus on its priorities, including tackling economic challenges, creating jobs, and fostering regional cooperation.
The President’s office reiterated that diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe will continue to thrive, grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.
Conclusion
The unfounded rumors linking President Boko to personal gifts from Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa have been unequivocally denied, with the administration stressing the strictly diplomatic nature of their relationship. As Botswana continues to navigate regional partnerships, the President’s response serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, transparency, and truth in public affairs.
The government has called on citizens to focus on the broader vision of national development while disregarding attempts to derail its progress with baseless accusations.
