10 Nov 2024

Having experienced a historic seamless political transition, with the party in government stepping down after losing the general elections and the official opposition ascending to power, Batswana have now been urged to stand united as a nation.

Addressing the nation and foreign dignitaries in his inauguration speech at the National Stadium on Friday, President Duma Boko stressed the need for Batswana from across the political divide to unite for a common purpose after an intense political contest that saw his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) replace the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in government.

“The message I impart is that this is republic, one nation under God. Lines are down in the sand and blown away by the wind. We cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into squabbles about where the line was and who stood on which side. The message I impart is unity. Togetherness,” Mr Boko said.

A poignant message after the unfortunate booing of former President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi by a section of the crowd, President Boko called for Batswana to ‘please give him some love’, to which his predecessor then got crowds’ applause.

President Boko underscored the historical importance of Dr Masisi over the past week setting national precedence by becoming the first Botswana President to lose an election then gracefully accepting defeat, congratulating his victorious opponent and immediately leading the smooth handover process.

“Today, our country is claiming its space in a galaxy of stars, thanks to the statesmanship exhibited by former President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Botswana has set an example of a true democracy at work for the whole world to emulate.

For that singular act, the former President will forever remain prominently etched in our hearts,” President Boko said.

He further stressed that as the country ushers in a new political dawn, it was important for all to realise that the peace and tranquility that reigned after such a transfer of power was a rarity that should be celebrated by the nation as a whole.

“The inauguration colourfully and poignantly demonstrates the human spirit in its desire to live in dignity, in peace, with hope, and in unity with fellow humans. This desire is a powerful force for social reconstruction. You, my fellow Batswana are the true architects of this day that will forever be etched in the annals of our history and that of Africa and the world,” President Boko said.

He said reviving the economy, the protection of human rights, strengthening the constitutional framework, as well as ensuring that there was quality life for all to live with decency and in harmony was feasible in this new dawn. Ends