Masisi adopts Khama anti-poaching strategy
Following unprecedented rise in poaching incidents in Botswana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s administration is considering re-arming the Wildlife Anti-poaching Unit.
The decision comes following the President’s contentious directive to dis-arm the wildlife department shortly after assuming the presidency two years ago.
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It is understood that at the time the former President Lt Gen Ian Khama was suspected to be protecting his vested interests in the wildlife and nature reserves.
The move saw Masisi dis-arm the wildlife to collect more intelligence surrounding the issue and bring new law to tighten loose ends.
With poaching having worsened, WeekendPost can confirm that the government is at the final stage of preparing a law that will empower the Wildlife officers to carry fire arms on duty once more.
In fact the new law, Wildlife Services Act, was supposed to be passed in the just ended July parliament as it passed its amendment final draft stage.
“Chief in the proposals in the law includes endorsement of wildlife officers to carry fire arms both hunting rifles and assault rifles for the purpose of self defence against poachers,” a Department of Wildlife and National Parks insider told this publication.
It is understood that the fire arms will also be used to protect wildlife officers against wild animals thereby protecting human life as well as property.
Prior, the Wildlife intelligence officers had pistols but they were taken away from them because of lack of legal instruments empowering them to have such.
“Part of the reasons why the government dis-armed the Wildlife officers was because of ‘lack of law’ allowing them to carry them hence the new law,” the source said.
The immaculate source further highlighted to this publication that the said fire arms that were taken were only anti-poaching and not hunting rifles.
According to the new proposed law, a copy of which has been passed to Weekend Post, section 21 states that; “Wildlife officer, in enforcing the provisions of the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act as read with this Act, may use a firearm for purposes of self-defence or the defence of another person where he or she believes that on reasonable grounds, there is imminent danger to him or herself or another person.”
It further points out that “Wildlife officer shall for the purposes of carrying out his or her functions and duties, use suitable and appropriate firearms and ammunition for the purpose of this Act.”
Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Phildah Kereng, also confirmed to WeekendPost of the coming of the new law.
“Yes the law is coming soon. It is still going through cabinet stage. If it matures on time from cabinet it should reach the floor of parliament in November sitting, we want it as soon as possible,” she told this publication.
While she pointed out that the law generally touches on the overall conditions of service of Wildlife officers, hence being broad and holistic, she however highlighted that it is important for the law to give power to wildlife officers to use automated weapons as that is key to protect the animals and themselves.
She said this is important because, prior, the anti-poaching unit was supposed to get clearance (for it to get the weapons) from Minister of Defence, Justice and Security.
WeekendPost has further gathered that the architect of the new law is none other than the newly appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr. Oduetse Koboto who was not long ago promoted to the top position.
BDP rejected a motion similar to the law although explicit to re-arming
Curiously the new law (Wildlife Services Act) comes at a time when parliament, with the majority of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) recently rejected a motion similar to the new law calling on government to consider re-arming the department of wildlife’s anti-poaching unit.
The said motion was tabled by Selebi Phikwe East legislator, Kgoberego Nkawana, who was adamant that it was necessary to re-arm the Wildlife Anti-poaching Unit as Botswana has for the past few years seen an exponential rise in poaching of animals such as, and, especially rhinos.
Reports indicate that while BDP MPs had expressed that the department had been disarmed because they were not empowered by law to carry out automated weapons, on the other hand, Nkawana and fellow opposition MPs had pointed out that the existing law already permitted them to do so.
As such, it was indicated that the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) which was empowered by law to carry automated weapons of war, was adequately empowered to assist in anti-poaching duties until such a time as when the department of Wildlife had been legally equipped to do so.
Former President Khama was also quoted as agreeing with Nkawana that the disarmament of the Anti-Poaching Unit resulted in the rise in poaching activity.
The former President said that as the custodians of Botswana wildlife the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) need to play a bigger role which starts with rearming the key anti-poaching organ of the department.
Khama’s brother and former Minister of Tourism, Tshekedi, who has since joined opposition Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) was also cited as stating that the DWNP was armed long during the reigns of former President Sir Ketumile Masire (1980 – 1998) – before he took over as Minister.
He also said then that even when the Unit were provided with new-advanced weapons the current President Masisi and his Vice President Slumber Tsogwane (then ministers) were also in agreement with former President Khama.
Tshekedi Khama had maintained that he did not introduce firearms as they already had them.
President Masisi is said to have dismissed the criticism of his government’s disarmament of the DWNP recently as ‘nothing but hysteria’ following reports that poachers were on the rampage.
“This stretch of imagination of linking the poaching of any species with an alleged disarmament of the department of wildlife is nothing but hysteria,” he said back then.
Indications suggest that Masisi has now reneged on his earlier directive to disarm the Wildlife Anti-poaching Unit and is now coming up with this new law that will re-arm the department again amongst many other proposals.
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News
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.
News
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.