Anti-corruption protesters in Botswana demand action from new government

Gaborone, Botswana — Botswana’s new leader, President Duma Boko, has promised zero tolerance for graft in his administration. The pledge comes as scores of Botswana residents join in youth-led anti-corruption protests, urging the government to prosecute former officials accused of looting public coffers.

Activist Setlhomo Tshwanelang mobilized the protests over alleged corruption within state enterprises.

He said more demonstrations are on the way and the new government must prosecute anyone who stole public funds.

Montshwari Mogopane, an investigator for Botswana’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, said his office has seen an increase in the number of reported cases of corruption.

“Of course, we have a problem of corruption in the country. This is reflected by the number of cases we receive under investigations,” Mogopane said. “The reports show an increase in the number of cases that we are receiving. There is that need to actually sharpen our swords and fight corruption.”

President Boko said there will be an audit of the state coffers to see if any corruption occurred. His government has reported the country is broke.

Boko told new members of Cabinet on Monday that under his administration, there will be no room for graft.

“There will be no corruption, firstly because I expect that you will uphold the highest standard, and secondly, more clinically, we will put very robust institutions and practices that will ensure that there is no corruption because we have to do it, so that even as we police ourselves, we must always know there are institutions and structures that are exerting influence and providing oversight in ensuring that we all stay on the straight and narrow,” he said.

Boko took office on November 1, after his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, defeated the Botswana Democratic Party, which had ruled the country since independence in 1966.

Boko's predecessor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, maintains he has not been involved in any illegal activity and will avail himself for questioning in case of any investigation against his former administration.