Botswana’s new president Duma Boko ends former ruling party’s 58 years in power

In Botswana thousands of people attended the inauguration of their country’s new president, Duma Boko. His ‘Umbrella For Democratic Change’ party won 36 parliamentary seats and denied former president Mokgweetsi Masisi a second term.

Addressing the nation in his first official speech as president, Boko called for unity after an election that brought an end to the former ruling party’s 58 years in power.

In a groundbreaking moment for Botswana, Duma Boko was sworn in as the country’s new president on Friday, marking the end of nearly six decades of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Thousands of citizens from across the nation gathered in the capital, Gaborone, to witness the historic inauguration, as Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), took the oath of office, promising unity and a fresh start for Botswana.

The 2024 elections saw Boko’s UDC, a coalition of the Botswana National Front and the Alliance for Progressives, secure 36 parliamentary seats, leading to the defeat of former president Mokgweetsi Masisi, who was denied a second term. This victory, a result of widespread dissatisfaction with the long-standing government, marked a turning point in Botswana’s political landscape.

Inauguration Ceremony in Gaborone

Boko’s inauguration was a spectacle of national pride, as he arrived in an open-top vehicle, flanked by flag-carrying soldiers on white horses, before taking the oath in front of an excited crowd. The event was not only a political transition but also a cultural celebration, drawing attention from political dignitaries and citizens alike.

As Botswana’s new president, Boko delivered his first official speech to a packed audience, stressing the importance of national unity in the wake of the election. He called for citizens to avoid squabbles and to set aside personal differences, emphasizing that the change of government was a “historic moment” that would resonate for generations.

“We must avoid division and embrace peace. This is a humbling and sobering moment, one of the rarest and most significant in our history,” Boko said in his address. His speech, filled with optimism, urged Batswana to unite for the betterment of the country.

Acknowledging the Peaceful Transition

In a rare and magnanimous gesture, Boko took the opportunity to commend his predecessor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, for his peaceful transfer of power. Despite being jeered at times during the campaign, Boko called on the crowd to show Masisi respect, acknowledging the former president’s willingness to concede without incident.

“This is not just my victory, it is a victory for the people of Botswana, who have shown their love for this country and for the ideals of democracy,” Boko said. The peaceful handover of power is particularly significant given the skepticism surrounding Botswana’s potential for a smooth transition from one party to another. Many Batswana believed they would never witness an opposition party gaining control of the presidency.

Campaign Promises and National Challenges

During his campaign, Boko and the UDC made several promises aimed at improving the lives of Batswana. Among their key proposals were measures to fight corruption, implement a minimum wage of 4,000 Pula ($302) per month, provide unemployment allowances, and increase old-age benefits. However, the specifics of these plans were not fully detailed during Boko’s inauguration speech.

One of the most pressing concerns for Batswana, according to a recent Afrobarometer survey, is unemployment. With official statistics showing a rise in unemployment from 25.9% in 2023 to 27.6% in 2024, addressing this issue will be one of Boko’s biggest challenges. His administration will need to find sustainable solutions to create jobs, especially as the country grapples with a global downturn in the demand for diamonds, which make up 80% of Botswana’s exports.

The economic difficulties facing Botswana, particularly in the diamond industry, have led to calls for greater national ownership of the country’s mining resources. There is growing demand for Botswana to receive a more significant share of the wealth generated by the mining industry, which has seen reduced revenues in recent years due to global market fluctuations.

International Presence and Diplomatic Support

The inauguration was attended by notable international figures, including former president Ian Khama of Botswana, South African deputy president Paul Mashatile, and Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters. Their presence underscored the importance of the event not only for Botswana but for the region at large, symbolizing a new era of political change in Southern Africa.

Botswana’s peaceful transition of power serves as an example to the rest of the African continent, where such peaceful transitions have often been rare. With Boko’s leadership, the nation looks to move forward with a renewed sense of hope and determination for a prosperous future.