Is Botswana 56 years closer to the independence promise?

Botswana Turns 56: From One Of The Poorest Countries To An Upper Middle-Income Economy

Botswana celebrates 56 years of independence on Friday after attaining self-government in 1965, following 80 years as the British protectorate Bechuanaland.

What followed was the Republic of Botswana’s independence on 30 September 1966, with Sir Seretse Khama serving as the first president until he died at the age of 59 on 13 July 1980.

Since then, Botswana has had five presidents, and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has ruled continuously.

Despite one party dominating the political landscape since independence, Botswana has been a model democracy in southern Africa.

However, in recent times, there has been political bickering between incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor, Ian Khama, the son of the founding president.

In its 2022 profile of Botswana, non-profit organisation Freedom House said “while it is considered one of the most stable democracies in Africa, Botswana has been dominated by a single party since independence. Media freedom remains under threat. The indigenous San people, as well as migrants, refugees, and LGBT+ people, face discrimination.”

Just three weeks before Independence Day on Friday, the country passed the Media Practitioners’ Association (MPA) Bill, which now awaits Masisi’s signature.

The law will seek to create a media body that will regulate and monitor journalists. ― News24