Khama dresses down Survival International
Monday, December 13, 2010
Khama strategically chose Friday's launch of the P24 billion Cut 8 project to hit back at the British-based NGO. He responded with fire, attacking the NGO's motives, attitude and actions, the latest of which is the call to boycott Botswana diamonds. The occasion could not have been bigger. The Cut 8 is the single biggest investment in Botswana and the most important event at Jwaneng mine since it was opened in 1982.
The timing could not have been better. Negotiating teams from government and De Beers had just returned from Kasane from another round of negotiations on a new sales agreement for Debswana's diamonds.
The fees have been doubled from the previous amounts and raise concerns about political participation accessibility and democratic representation principles.This significant fee increase prompts questions regarding its impact on grassroots democracy.On one hand, the fees act as a filter, ensuring only serious contenders enter the race, potentially reducing frivolous candidacies and generating crucial campaign funds. The BDP argues that aspiring...