Botswana chairs the Kimberly Process after Russia
Diamond Hub Coordinator Thamage is the chairman
This week opens a new chapter in the diamond mining industry as Botswana takes over the baton of the Kimberley Process ( KP) Chairmanship from Russia at the ongoing conference in New York, United States.
Botswana was officially appointed last year November, but had to wait for the official process to take place before being handed over to lead the auspicious organisation. Flying Botswana‘ s flag in the global map is none other than, the Diamond Hub Coordinator, Jacob Thamage.
As if that is not enough for the regional economic block, SADC, neighbouring Zimbabwe were officially confirmed as the Vice Chair.
In his acceptance speech, Thamage told his audience that under his stewardship, Botswana will do her best, taking into account the current challenges and opportunities. In that regard, the Botswana Chairmanship will adopt the theme, ‘ Diamonds, a catalyst for Sustainable Development’.
Last month, President Masisi travelled to Europe, where he lobbied European Union ( EU) member states to back Botswana’s bid to host the KP Secretariat in Gaborone. Botswana is facing competition from Austria and China
but, in his campaign, Masisi has been unapologetic. While in Europe, he was extensively quoted as having told the president of the Botswana- France
National Friendship Group, Philippe Michel- Kleisbauer, that Austria has no diamonds.
Speaking in an interview with BG News, Minister of International Affairs, Dr. Lemogang Kwape said that Masisi went to meet with the Europeans to specifically convince them to plead with Austria to drop from the race. “We believe that if Europe truly believes that they want to develop Africa, this is one way of showing their good intention to developing Africa by allowing Botswana to host the secretariat. And if they have anything to assist us with in order to excel, then they will render that assistance when the KP Secretariat is in Botswana.”
The historic exchange of the baton confirming Botswana as the chair could not have come at a better time than now.
In his acceptance speech, Thamage told his audience that they are once again witnessing history in the evolution of the KP. He said they are witnessing history on at least two fronts. Firstly, he believes the Russian Federation has made history as the only second participant after South Africa, to chair the KP for two consecutive years or more. Thamage said he is not sure that there are many who could have pulled off what the Russians did over the last two years. He said the Russian Federation, had to endure the worst uncertainty but prevailed to do the unprecedented, hosting a virtual KP intercessional and have just pulled off the first hybrid KP Plenary.
He said the second part of history, the world is witnessing is that, 16 years ago they were gathered to witness the Russian Federation handing over the chairmanship of the KP to Botswana. We were grateful then and we are doubly grateful and humbled today. “Grateful, not only to be taking over from a solid leadership, but also humbled by the trust and confidence being bestowed upon us by all of you to shepherd the KP especially under the prevailing environment, where uncertainty and a fast changing landscape of everything are the order of the day.”
Thamage said in chairing the Kimberley Process during 2022, Botswana commits to uphold the legacy of the KP by preserving and building upon the gains made over the years to fine tune the KPCS. He said Botswana shall continue where the Russian Federation left with regards to the initiative of exploring and encouraging the digitization of KP certificates. “We are conscious that not all participants can move at the same pace on this initiative. Therefore, we shall seek and pursue opportunities for technical assistance and capacitybuilding to support those participants that are facing or may face challenges to fully comply with the KPCS’s existing standards or as they evolve.”