Masisi, Khama could cross paths at COP 28
President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor, Ian Khama, could cross paths once again at the 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28), the world’s principal climate summit which began in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday.
The last time the two met was in August during the 43rd Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Angola when the duo shared a brief handshake, a moment that shocked many people.
Khama is in self imposed exile in South Africa and has indicated that he won’t come back to Botswana as Masisi and his ‘cronies’ are planning to assassinate him. Khama is facing criminal charges that range from unlawful possession of a firearm to receiving stolen property.
While the two former allies, now arch-rivals, unexpectedly interacted in Angola, they might bump into each other once again at COP 28. According to a press statement from the Office of the President, while at COP28, Masisi will join other global leaders in participating in the World Climate Action Summit, which is part of the High-Level meetings for Heads of State and Government. Masisi will also in his capacity as the chairperson for Knowledge and Data for Africa Climate Mobility Flagship Programme, host a high-level segment entitled: “Addressing the
Climate Crisis and Human Settlements Nexus in Africa: Preventing further loss and damage from climate impact through technology.”
Additionally, Masisi will co-host a high-level event of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), in his capacity as the Global Chair of the Group of LLDCs.
Furthermore, Masisi will also deliver a National Statement on Botswana’s Climate Change Agenda and inform on some of the efforts underway to address the impact of climate change
in the country. Khama on the other side is in the UAE for the COP28 Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum. In a press statement, SKI Khama foundation CEO, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo revealed that the two-day inaugural Forum is held concurrently with the Heads of State World Climate Action in Dubai, and is being attended by notable entities such as the International Finance Corporation, the World Economic Forum and the Bill and Melinda Foundation amongst others. Kaboeamodimo added that the former president has been invited to share his experiences as a conservationist to contribute to “tangible climate and nature solutions”.
“He will be amongst business and philanthropy leaders and policymakers to ‘bridge the gap between ambition and action’ with respect to inclusive climate initiatives for a sustainable future,” he said.
Kaboeamodimo added Khama will also be speaking at the ‘Giants Club’ dinner co-hosted by His Highness Prince bin Farhan Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, in celebration of a new partnership between Saudi Arabia and ‘Space for Giants’ who initiate projects to help restore natural ecosystems and combat climate change.
Khama is accompanied by a delegation of four while Masisi’s delegation comprises the Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Local Government and Rural Development; Finance; Lands and Water Affairs; Agriculture; Health; Minerals and Energy; Environment and Tourism; Senior Government Officials, as well as, representatives from the private sector, academia, non-governmental organisations and youth-led organisations.
The UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs) are held annually, to address climate change issues. COP28 is expected to take stock of progress made in the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the climate action required to address any gaps. Accordingly, a wide range of issues will be discussed, including climate finance, mitigation, and adaptation.