Namibia: Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba has congratulated the newly elected President of Botswana, Duma Boko, and his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). Boko, a human rights lawyer, led the UDC to a historic electoral victory in the general elections held on 30 October 2024.
According to Namibia Press Agency, on Friday, the Independent Electoral Commission of Botswana announced that the UDC had reached the threshold of 31 seats, which is enough to form a government. Boko became the first opposition leader to win the elections, ousting the long-time ruling Botswana Democratic Party, which had been in power for 58 years.
In a statement on Saturday, Mbumba mentioned that his new Botswana counterpart undertakes the important task of forming and steering a new government. “I look forward to a continued fruitful working relationship and strengthening of our bilateral relations for the shared prosperity of our two nations,” he said.
He highlighted that the ties between Namibia and Botswana were established
during the fight for independence. Mbumba added that many Namibians sought refuge in Botswana during the war against German colonialism and Apartheid.
“Today, bilateral relations between Namibia and Botswana are characterized by stronger trade, commercial, and people-to-people exchanges,” Mbumba stated. The Namibian Head of State further commended former President Mokgweetsi Masisi “for promptly accepting the will of the people and committing to prepare an orderly and peaceful transition. Batswana deserve our collective praise for the peaceful general elections.”