The Minister for International Relations, Dr. Phenyo Butale, has dismissed allegations that President Advocate Duma Boko’s international travels are excessive and place a financial burden on Botswana’s already constrained national budget. He described such claims as misleading and politically motivated, aimed at discrediting the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Butale stressed that the criticism was unfounded. He reminded the public that it was the government itself that had acknowledged the country’s financial challenges after the October 2024 general elections.
Strategic International Engagements
Defending President Boko’s foreign engagements, Dr. Butale cited a two-day visit to Antwerp, Belgium, for the FACETS conference last November, where the President delivered a keynote address. He emphasized that this trip was crucial, as it coincided with a downturn in the diamond market, leading to stockpiles of unsold diamonds.
Following the Antwerp visit, Botswana witnessed an immediate shift in the market, with the first batch of diamonds being sold. At the same time, President Boko secured high-level meetings with key stakeholders in the diamond industry, including De Beers, to restart stalled negotiations. This diplomatic effort, according to Dr. Butale, played a significant role in finalizing a new deal between Botswana and De Beers, which will greatly benefit the country’s economy.
Commitment to Multilateralism
Minister Butale further emphasized that Botswana’s international presence is necessary, given its commitment to multilateralism and its role in numerous global organizations. He argued that President Boko’s engagements were not for luxury but rather for economic diplomacy, aimed at reviving the economy and fostering partnerships.
In addition to the FACETS conference, President Boko attended the extraordinary summits in Zimbabwe to discuss peace efforts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His presence at the AU Summit further underscores Botswana’s dedication to engaging with regional and international partners in addressing shared challenges.
A Focus on Economic Revival
Dr. Butale concluded that President Boko’s diplomatic efforts within his first 100 days in office have already yielded significant results. He urged critics to recognize the necessity of strategic international engagements, particularly when aimed at securing economic opportunities and strengthening Botswana’s global standing.
With Botswana facing economic challenges, the government maintains that President Boko’s international diplomacy is a crucial tool for securing investments, trade deals, and partnerships that will benefit the nation in the long run.
