GABORONE, Botswana — On Friday, a significant event unfolded as thousands gathered in Gaborone to witness the inauguration of the country’s new president, Duma Boko. His election marked a pivotal shift in Botswana’s political landscape, ending the former ruling party’s dominance that had lasted for 58 years.
Boko leads the Umbrella for Democratic Change, a coalition formed by the Botswana National Front and the Alliance for Progressives. This coalition secured 36 seats in parliament, effectively denying former president Mokgweetsi Masisi the opportunity for a second term.
The inauguration ceremony was vibrant, with Boko arriving at the venue in an open-top vehicle, flanked by soldiers on white horses carrying national flags. As he took his oath of office, he addressed an enthusiastic crowd along with various delegates, saying that unity is essential for the nation’s future.
In his inaugural address, Boko urged the citizens to express kindness toward his predecessor, who had faced criticism during his time in office. He commended the former president for peacefully conceding power and characterized the transition as a momentous occasion. “This is indeed a historic moment most humbling and most sobering. It is one of the rarest moments that can only be acknowledged in retrospect,” he reflected.
Boko expressed his deep affection for the nation and acknowledged the trust the populace had bestowed on him by electing him to the highest office. His remarks were filled with optimism for the future, although they lacked specific details regarding his administration’s plans on various developmental issues.
During the election campaign, his party pledged a rigorous fight against corruption and committed to several initiatives, including establishing a minimum wage of 4,000 Pula (about $302) per month, providing unemployment assistance, increasing benefits for the elderly, and fostering the growth of new businesses.
Recent findings from an Afrobarometer survey indicate that unemployment remains the foremost concern among the citizens, overshadowing issues like health care, crime, poverty, education, and corruption. The latest government statistics reveal a rising unemployment rate of 27.6% in 2024, up from 25.9% the previous year.
Onkutule Ntwayagae, a 42-year-old self-employed individual from Mahalapye, shared his voice at the inauguration. “We want the government to create jobs and make better use of public funds,” he asserted, expressing hopes for transformative changes that would enhance the lives of ordinary people.
Botswana’s economy heavily relies on diamonds, with 80% of its exports coming from this sector. However, a global slowdown in the demand for diamonds has led to decreased revenues for Debswana, a state-owned mining company in partnership with the mining giant De Beers. Some citizens are advocating for a reevaluation of the ownership deal to ensure increased local benefits from the arrangement.
“If he is able to renegotiate the deal with De Beers it would create jobs,” freelance worker Ntwayagae remarked. He emphasized that Debswana is crucial for the economy and that difficulties in the sector pose serious challenges for Botswana.
Many residents had long doubted the prospect of witnessing a peaceful transfer of power to an opposition party. Gosego Moleele, a teacher from Jwaneng, conveyed his emotions, saying, “It means a lot for me because I never thought this day would come. We have seen the opposition fighting for power for so long. I am happy to have been able to witness this historic moment.”
Prominent dignitaries, including former president Ian Khama, South African deputy president Paul Mashatile, and Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters, were present to celebrate this new chapter in Botswana’s political history.