07 Dec 2024

President Advocate Duma Boko has criticised the existing legal framework in Botswana as ineffectual in addressing and containing corruption.

Speaking at the commemoration of the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day on Friday, Advocate Boko  emphasised the inadequacies of the nation's institutions in tackling the contemporary forms of corruption prevalent in society.

"The institutions we have established are not properly tailored to confront the nature of corruption we face today," President Boko stated, underlining the urgent need for a redesign of both the country's institutions and legal structures.

Reflecting on the performance of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), which has been operational for 30 years, the President asked if the country had managed to contain, reduce, or eliminate corruption in this period.

“Are we anywhere near eliminating corruption? The answer is no," President said.

He also pointed out that while Botswana had ratified numerous international anti-corruption instruments, including the SADC Convention Against Corruption, the African Union's Corruption Prevention and Combating framework, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, ‘these principles have not been adequately integrated into national legislation.’

Additionally, President Boko ruled out the establishment of a presidential commission of inquiry into corruption, calling it "a simplistic and misguided approach." Instead, he proposed the engagement of an independent, internationally accredited entity to conduct a critical and objective investigation into criminal activities linked to corruption.

Further, he reiterated recent statements made in his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) regarding an imminent forensic audit of government institutions. This audit , he said aimed to assess the functionality of the institutions, the appropriation and deployment of state resources, and the overall financial state of the country.

Advocate Boko assured citizens that transparency would become a cornerstone of government operations, with ongoing digitalisation efforts aimed at providing public access to information. 

From the United Nations, Resident Coordinator Mr Zia Choudhury echoed the importance of education and youth empowerment in the fight against corruption. 

He encouraged young people to lead efforts in combating corruption, emphasising that collective action was essential in the global struggle. 

Giving a vote of thanks, Selebi-Phikwe West MP Mr Reuben Kaizer urged the government to consider the reopening of the BCL Mine, highlighting its significance for local employment and economic revitalisation.  Ends