Today, November 8th 2024, Botswana will inaugurate Duma Boko as its sixth president, celebrating a smooth democratic transition in one of Africa’s most stable nations.
Duma Boko, a lawyer, emerged victorious over incumbent president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, ending nearly 60 years of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). His party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, is set to form the new government. In his third presidential bid, after runs in 2014 and 2019, Boko’s win signifies a message of change.
“Change is here,” Boko announced in Gaborone. He emphasized that Botswana’s election demonstrated democracy in action, offering a model for Africa. “This is democracy in motion; this is democracy exemplified…an abiding lesson to the whole world…one of the most beautiful experiences a country can go through,” he stated during the handover on Monday.
The inauguration, expected to be a colorful celebration in the diamond-rich country, comes as analysts observe the BDP’s fall amid internal crises that destabilized its majority. This year, the BDP ranked fourth in the election, a significant drop from its absolute majority in 2019.
Boko faces several challenges, including gender inequality in public office, unemployment, and high rates of HIV/AIDS. Currently, only five out of 33 cabinet members are women, with key parliamentary positions occupied by men. Gender advocates hope Boko’s administration will address these disparities, expanding representation for women. Notable female leaders in Botswana include the police commissioner and ambassadors to Nigeria and Brazil, though activists seek broader inclusion.
With unemployment nearing 25%—its highest in two decades—Botswana’s economy faces pressures as local businesses compete with imported products. Entrepreneur Khutsi Thipane expressed concerns, urging the government to support domestic businesses and revive local manufacturing.
Addressing issues like poverty, crime, and joblessness is at the forefront of Boko’s agenda. Countries, including Nigeria, congratulated him, praising outgoing President Masisi for his peaceful concession. Refilwe Kgabanyane, an international relations expert, hailed the transition as “the perfect definition of a smooth transition of power,” celebrating Botswana’s democracy
