Why Gov’t deported Ugandan refugees
Martin Dingake of Dingake Law Partners
Following hurdles and long court battles, the government of Botswana has finally deported two Ugandan refugees who were incarcerated at the Dukwi refugee camp – while clearly acting in contempt of court.
The refugees, Musa Isabirye and Timothy Yamin had complained over living poor conditions and harassment by security agents at the migrant camp where they were residing prior to deportation.
In a court order, government was warned against deporting the Ugandan refugees. In fact, the order which was released on 23 October 2015 by Francistown High Court had barred the government or anyone from deporting them.
The court order stated that: “the respondents or anyone acting under their authority are prohibited and/or interdicted from deporting the applicants until the application for an interim interdict is determined to its finality.”
It further ruled that “the notice prohibiting applicants (refugees) legal representatives from consulting their clients is declared unconstitutional, irrational and unlawful. The applicants’ legal representatives are hereby permitted to consult applicants.”
WeekendPost can confirm that the refugees were on Monday night (26 October 2015) around 10pm last week deported under harsh circumstances.
In addition, their lawyer Martin Dingake of Dingake Law Partners was denied access to properly consult with them prior to their extradition, following their brief detention at Sir Seretse Khama Airport police station.
Government senior attorney at the Attorney General chambers Morulaganyi Chamme also confirmed in an affidavit, in which the refugees’ had filed an application for contempt of court based on their lawyers alleged denial of access to consult with them, that “my information is that the applicants (refugees) are no longer in the custody or control of people before the court in the current proceedings, because they were deported on the 26th October.”
Chamme said he however never discussed the court order with the Commissioner of Police and of Prisons and Rehabilitation. He said his concentration was on the deportation which was controlled by the Department of Immigration.
Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the Ugandan refugees, Martin Dingake said that the deportation is unfortunate as it points out to a contempt of court order.
“I therefore cannot deny nor confirm it but I have absolutely no reason to disbelieve it, coming as it does, from a person of Chamme’s rank within the AG’s chambers,” he told this publication.
Chamme, the AG senior official defended government and justified the contempt of court: “there is no evidence that the Attorney General, Commissioner of Police and Commissioner of Prisons and Rehabilitation have willfully disobeyed the court order. The founding affidavit clearly shows that the Commissioner of Prisons was completely removed from the conduct complained of. I aver that Attorney General Officials and to promote compliance with it. The rest of the respondents will explain their roles but my instruction are that they did not intend to disobey the order of court.”
Assistant Superintendent and deputy Station Commander at Sir Seretse Khama Airport Police Station, where the refugees were detained before being booted out of the country, Unoziba Rari also stated in the responding affidavit that “it has never been the intention of government to disobey any court order.” In fact he said the deportation of refugees is a preserve of the Immigration Department, which only provide support service, such as a holding cell, where necessary.
Rari also armored supervision saying: “all deportation decisions are made and affected by immigration department, hence, there is no way that we could act to the contrary of a court order in an immigration department case.”
As a consequence, Dingake stated in his replying affidavit on 3 November 2015 that he therefore “seek an order in terms of the draft order and will edge the court at the hearing of this matter, that the contempt as regards deportation be referred to oral evidence so that the key players are identified and each answer as to their role and can be examined and cross-examined.”
Most surprisingly, Dingake said the deponent does not explain how it could be that after an order was obtained interdicting the government or its officials from deporting the applicants while the deportation was nevertheless carried out.
“It is not difficult to see why the deponent would not have been firm with the Director as regards the order. This is mostly so because of the deponent’s attitude towards the court order, an attitude that was to play a role, one way or the other about not just refusal to allow me an opportunity to consult clients but also to have them deported in the middle of the night and under the cover of darkness,” the refugees prominent lawyer punched maintained.
He stressed that there can be no wilful disobedience of a court order other than this, done with the condonation of the office of the Attorney General and its officers, amongst whom the deponent is a senior member of.
“The Attorney General and her officers have thus degraded our values as a constitutional democracy because of misgivings they have about a court order and about which they have done absolutely nothing or very little, if any, to challenge.”
Meanwhile, when contacted for comment, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Edwin Batshu who authorizes deportations said he does not know whether the Ugandan refugees have been extradited. “Please check with Shaw Kgathi as he manages refugees,” he told WeekendPost in a telephonic brief interview.
This publication then contacted Minister for Defense, Justice and Security (MoDJS) Shaw Kgathi who fumed at this newspaper when asked to ascertain if indeed Ugandan refugees and Eritrean asylum seekers as well as lawyer Salbany have been or are in the process of being deported: “whoever told you that will tell you the whole story,” adding that “I am in a meeting” before he hung up the phone.
According to Public Relations Officer in the MoJDS Samma Tabudi, “we do not have any refugees in Botswana as their status was long revoked in terms of section 11 (a) of the Refugees (Recognition and Control) Act (CAP 25:01).”
Tabudi however would not elaborate more on why they were repealed and on the other hand Dingake insisted that his clients are and were security threats and the deponent does not say how they are threats to national security.
10 Eritrean asylum seekers may seek resettlement
In a related matter, Lobatse High Court previously ruled against government’s move to refuse to grant 10 Eritrean football players who were requested asylum after losing 3 – 1 to Botswana national team in the 2018 world cup qualifiers – citing human rights violations in their country.
WeekendPost has established that the players will eventually exit the borders of Botswana and be resettled in another country believed to be in Southern Africa. It is not clear yet as to why the government is booting out the asylum seekers.
A lawyer representing the Eritrean asylum seekers Dick Bayford of Bayford Associates told this publication that government has been speaking to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) about their resettlement.
“The 10 Eritrean football players seeking for refugee status currently in Botswana will be moved to another country that is at least not of their origin,” Bayford highlighted. The notorious lawyer known for fighting gigantic battles with government said the resettlement of the Eritreans is now being discussed with countries that will host them.
Through Bayford’s facilitation, as sanctioned by Eritrea Movement for Democracy and Human Rights, the Eritrean asylum seekers were relieved by a High Court ruling in Lobatse on October, 19, which interceded and ruled in errand of the
Eritrean players which obligated the government to climb down on their prior move and agreed to grant them asylum.
The players have since been kept at an illegal immigrant detention centre.
However, when addressing a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) media briefing this week Kgathi denied allegations that Botswana has somehow withdrawn Eritrean football players’ asylum.
He was saying this in light of a leaked letter from Permanent secretary, Segakweng Tsiane to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) stating that the ten players should seek asylum elsewhere.
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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.