POACHING: A sore in Botswana- Namibia relations

Asecessionist group operating, in Katima Mulilo, Caprivi Strip calling itself Caprivi Concerned Group ( CCG) is alleged to have taken Botswana to the International Criminal Court ( ICC) over the killing of four poachers in 2020. The CCG which operates under the auspices of the Namibia- banned United Democratic Party ( UDP) of self- exiled Mishake Muyongo, is pursuing the matter as nothing more than fame- seeking stunt aimed at muddying Botswana- Namibia relations. The CCG which is pursuing a secessionist agenda in Namibia has been for decades, in the words of Alufea Sampofu, Regional Governor of the Zambezi Region or ‘ Caprivi’ as the CCG prefers to call the area, carrying actions “aimed to secede the Zambezi Region from the rest of Namibia, thus destabilising peace, stability and security of the country.” It is not the first time; the CCG has used Botswana as a scapegoat in its secessionist agenda. In June 2018, the CCG accused Botswana of “detention and threats of forceful deportation of Caprivians from Botswana.” Further in the statement, the CCG argued, “Caprivi political dispute is a legal and political argument of whether Caprivi Strip is legally part of Namibia or not, and whether majority of Caprivians appreciate being Namibians or they wish to govern themselves.” This statement came out as reaction to bilateral engagements between Botswana and Namibia to resolve border issues. As a matter of fact, Namibia’s sovereignty or lack thereof, has nothing to do with Botswana. It is entirely a Namibian issue. Therefore, there is no need for CCG to, at every convenience drag Botswana into their ‘ fight’ with Namibia authorities. What Botswana is primarily concerned about, is safeguarding its territorial sovereignty from any adversarial cause, including poaching. As a nation, we have mandated our state security organs, including Botswana Defence Force ( BDF) to execute this duty without fear or favour. And Edwin Samati and his colleagues at CCG must come to terms with that reality. This is the same expectations Namibians have on their security organs. Botswana cannot afford to stand aside and cheer this clear act of economic sabotage. Poaching weakens our macroeconomic and fiscal stability, deters investment, contributes to income inequality, and hinders growth at all levels of an economy. Tourism revenues are particularly threatened by unmitigated poaching. As a country, we are more dependent on natural resources as a source of revenue. Wildlife has always played a key role in providing a foundation for investment and economic development. Depletion of this asset as a result of poaching can undermine this foundation, therefore, limiting options for local and national sustainable development. Poaching also undermines efforts to manage these resources sustainably, thus reducing our ability to profit from them in the future. Therefore, two countries should not allow the rule of law to be hijacked and replaced by thuggery and buccaneering by those pursuing a narrow sectarian and secessionist agenda. Botswana subscribes to one Namibia, and we are not going to be bullied or blackmailed by this ‘ Region’ or that ‘ Region’ to submit into their political agenda. In fact, some of those pelleted our cargo trucks in 2020 have had their friends and families safely sheltered in Botswana for decades as refugees. Therefore, Botswana is going to deal with the problem of poaching, as a function of national security and preservation, and not a function of internal Namibian politics. For those sympathising with poachers and pushing the pseudo ‘ human rights’ narrative, may they be reminded that in March this year, the nation was mourning the brutal killing of Lance Corporal Obakeng Tlhaloganyo at the hands of poachers. Botswana should, and will deal with national security threats, including poaching, by all means at its disposal.