25 Jun 2024

There is urgent need to address the growing trend of disrespecting the democratically and constitutionally elected governments in Africa by the military, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

President Masisi, who was officially opening the African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Gaborone yesterday said Africa’s spate of military coups was a direct challenge to civilian-led democratic governance while rampant militarisation of nation states not only impacted on the stability and prosperity but also caused significant obstacles to realising collective aspirations of peace and developments.

“This kind of regression in our continent’s political order presents a serious threat to the stability of many nations and a threat to regional cooperation and integration, continental unity, peace and sustainable development,” he said.

The conference, he said, thus presented the perfect platform for Africa’s chiefs of defence to collectively share insights as well as forge strategies to effectively address challenges facing Africa, hence strong civil military relations remained key.

President Masisi also highlighted the need to reflect on the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing challenges facing Africa.

He said it was imperative for all concerned parties to be a cohesive force to achieve the African Union global vision to ensure peace and stability across the continent, consistent with the Africa Agenda 2063.

“In a democracy, we have to uphold the principle that the military serves the nation through an elected government and not any particular regime. We must therefore be committed to ensure that our armed forces remain dedicated to the protection and wellbeing of our people through elected governments,” he said.

Again, the President said, cooperation among African states was not a choice but a requirement for the continent to achieve its noble goals and realise the potential within continental borders.

“For this to be attained, there should be concrete action and a commitment to good governance and exemplary leadership. It is therefore incumbent for all to bolster cooperation, coordination and intelligent sharing mechanisms to effectively count all the threats and ensure the safety and security of all nation states,” he added.

Furthermore, President Masisi said the foundation of any successful national endeavour lied in good governance and effective leadership.

“Without transparency, accountability and effective rule of law, our efforts to achieve peace and development will be in vain. We hence must strive to uphold this principle in every aspect of our governing system and process for they are the cornerstone of where our future rests,” he said.

By upholding the principles of good governance, he said, governments would enhance public trust in their institutions and foster socio-economic developments and fortify foundations of democracies.

“Let us reaffirm our dedication to upholding the highest ethical standards and ensure that our actions reflect the values on integrity, honesty and respect for human rights,” he said.

Also, Dr Masisi said Africa needed to stand united and expand operations as well as share values in the drive to silence the guns and pave way for peace and prosperity across the continent.

The President appreciated the United States of America for the military collaborations with the Botswana Defence Force  in realising Botswana’s national objectives.

The conference heard that Botswana was instrumental in regional security, having donated 19 hectares of land for the construction of SADC regional logistics depot which Dr Masisi  said would, upon completion, contribute immensely to regional peace and stability. ENDS