Botswana flouted AU Commission–documents
A 2001 case in which Botswana failed to comply with the African Union Commission’s resolutions taken to fully compensate a local citizen who was wrongfully deported has come back to haunt the country. The revelation, which surfaced this week comes at a crucial time and could potentially cost Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Pelonomi Venson Moitoi the AU Chairpersonship.
Venson-Moitoi is vying for the position for the second time, and it appears the odds are stacked against her, especially after failing to win the post with an outright majority obligation earlier this year.
Weekend Post has established that the citizen, John Kealeboga Modise was first unlawfully deported from his own country Botswana in 1978 and additionally removed on four separate occasions thereafter – under unclear explanations.
The deportation was believed to be politically motivated as the citizen was a staunch opposition Botswana National Front (BNF) activist.
Documents seen by Weekend Post suggest that Modise, who after the case dragged for long later passed on in 2013, was made to live unprotected in a foreign country (South Africa) not of his own choosing.He also stayed briefly in a no-man’s island between Botswana and the South African border.
The deportation separated him from his family and by extension affected and traumatised his four minor children Tsholofelo Modise, Elisabeth Modise, Gladys Modise and Winston Modise.
The development culminated in Modise roping in esteemed human rights attorney Duma Boko and an international legal human rights organisation based in London, Interights, which made submission to the African Commission to consider his case for violations of his rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the charter) and seek compensation.
The African Heads of State and government thereafter met in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2001, and, found multiple violations of Modise’s rights by the Republic of Botswana and requested that government take steps to remedy the violations and that it should implement the decision of the Commission.
These resolutions included confirmation and documentation of the nationality status of Modise’s children, Gladys and Elisabeth, and the issuance of nationality documents to them. The children were also said to be ‘stateless’ as a consequence of the ‘deportation’ of their father.
In addition the Commission resolved that the family be provided with “compensation of loss arising from or incidental to the violations suffered by Modise”. He claimed compensation of 5 billion pula plus 10% annual interest from the date of the Commission findings to date for pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages.
According to Modise’s lawyers at Interights, the objective in asking for compensation is not to quantify the unquantifiable. “Rather we aim hereby to propose a framework by which the state may acknowledge wrongdoing and provide a material basis to enable the victims, in this case Modise and family, to heal and, in some way, reconstruct and carry on with the remainder of their lives.”
This publication has gathered that other than granting him citizenship by descent, Botswana did not fully comply with the Commission’s decision. This is despite the principle of compensation for human rights violations being very well established in the comparative law of African countries as well as in international law.
“The Commission found the Republic of Botswana in violation of articles 3(2), 5, 12(1) and (2), 13(1) and (2), 14 and 18(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the ‘charter’),” stated a lawyer at the Africa Programme at Interights, Judith Oder, in her communication to the Secretary of African commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights based at Gambia.
Weekend Post has established that the Commission specifically found that the denial of Modise’s right to citizenship while he rightfully deserved it was in violation of articles 3 (2), 5 and the deportation infringed his right to movement and his right to leave and return to his country contrary to article 12(1) and (2).
“The Commission also held that granting him citizenship by registration deprive him of the freedom to participate in the government of his country and constituted a denial of his right to equal access to the public services of his country contrary to article 13 (1) and (2),” the Order insisted.
It found out that, as a consequence of his deportation, the loss of his property and belongings resulted in heavy financial losses in violation of article 14 and the deportation deprived him of his family, and his family of his support in violation of article 18(1) of the African Charter.
It is understood that since the Commission’s finding, Modise and his representative have made attempts to engage with the government of Botswana to progress the implementation of the Commission’s decision.
“However these attempts have been futile. More recently, the attempt to follow up the implementation of the Commission’s decision.”
According to a family representative, who is also the late Modise’s daughter Winston Matshidiso Modise, after 20 years of all the sufferings, when they approached the Master of Court they were told that since they turned down their compensation of P100 000 from government, the case has since been closed.
“We are very disappointed by government’s clear flouting of AUC resolutions and we will determine the next course of action including meeting President Khama and seeing if we can reach an amicable solution,” the family representative/daughter, Winston Matshidiso Modise, told Weekend Post this week.
Narrating the events, she emphasised that they felt insulted by government’s gesture to suggest to compensate them with a meagre P 100 000 after all they suffered the irreparable damage for the wrongful deportation.
If meeting with the president fails, she said, other options remain open including dragging the government to court if they see fit.
This publication has gathered that in response to Modise’s previous letters a Botswana government representative, Augustine Makgonatsotlhe the then Permanent Secretary to the president and now Ombudsman, stated that the allegation that Mr.Modise’s children are stateless “is without merit and that the offer to the family of P100 000 compensation made to Mr.Modise was done on a purely ex gratia basis and that offer has now lapsed”.
He then concluded by stating that “the recommendations of the African Union Commission are not binding on the government of Botswana and that the government is not obliged to accept and implement them.”
In his letter to President Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama on 28 November 2008, Mr Modise had contended that his children Elisabeth and Gladys were stateless. He felt that the state’s proposal of P100 000 was not done in good faith as his representatives who were in contact with the state were not informed of this development.
At the time Modise was summoned to the office of the then Attorney General Ian Kirby (now Judge of the Court of Appeal) where the offer was made. He then rejected the offer of P100 000 as being inadequate and not proportionate to the losses and violations he suffered.
This publication’s efforts to contact Senior Private Secretary to the President at the Office of the President Brigadier George Tlhalerwa, who was said to be handling the case, drew blanks as he was said to be outside the country on official business.
On his part, government spokesperson Jeff Ramsay confirmed knowledge of the case. He however was quick to point out that “last time I heard about the case was 10 years ago and Modise’s family was in talks with the government and I am not sure whether they reached a conclusion on the matter.”
Meanwhile, it is understood that currently six candidates have put forward their names for consideration for the commanding and influential position in which the elections are scheduled at the organization's next summit in January 2017.
Botswana, with signature rooftop diplomacy, still faces resistance from other African counterparts of her bold positions on various matters in the international sphere.
According to information from the UK based Interights “the government of Botswana’s disregard of the Commission’s decision, and its consequence failure to address the violations against Modise, conflict with Botswana’s obligations under international human rights law.”
The London based human rights NGO continues: “The government of Botswana ratified the African Charter without reservations. It is therefore obliged to adopt measures to give effect to the rights provided in the treaty and to appropriately address any violations that have occurred by providing victims of such violations with sufficient redress.”
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.