“Whilst I understand that in terms of the Constitution of Botswana, the supreme command of the armed forces vests in the President and he holds the office of the Commander in Chief (Section 48(1), that he has the power to act alone without the consent of Parliament determine the operational use of the BDF (Subsection 2(a)), why is the government not engaging Parliament which funds the BDF on this matter? The decision to deploy without engaging Parliament proves how much value the regime attaches to the legislature. Not even the relevant parliamentary committee has been briefed. The President and his government undermine parliament with impunity. Parliament should have asked relevant questions to better the decision.” Selebi-Phikwe West Member of Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse charged.
Keorapetse was showing displeasure on His Excellency the President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s decision to not consult or at least inform the parliament on deployment of Botswana Defence Force (BDF) to Mozambique.
Botswana troops has left for Mozambique earlier today where they will carry out a peace keeping mission. The country has been battling insurgents for some time now in Cabo Delgado, a region which is said to be rich in oil and gas. The Islamic terrorists have reportedly killed a significant number of innocent residents.
Keorapetse is of the view that the President, though permitted by the law to act on his own, should have engaged parliament. Keorapetse thinks Parliament could have shared ideas with the President so that he can take better decisions.
“BDF soldiers should be deployed in peace keeping missions-active maintenance of truces between warring parties abroad, especially in intra-state conflicts. The UN or AU will rent the BDF equipment and pay its soldiers well. Most importantly, this will offer exposure and real training and validate our armed forces’ combat readiness. Other countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria to mention but a few seldom miss these chances of deploying their armies in peace-keeping missions. The other benefit is that this will enhance Botswana’s diplomatic leverages, enable it to expand its interests abroad and improve its standing in Africa and the world.” Keorapetse reiterated his past thoughts.
