Botswana, Namibia intensify cross border operations
Pini Bothoko | Monday July 14, 2025 09:46
The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and the Namibian Defence force (NDF) are conducting the ongoing initiative through a joint cross-border operation known as Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) campaign.
The campaign, birthed through the framework of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) between the two countries, reflects a deepening of defence ties and cross-border collaboration. Through a well-coordinated CIMIC strategy, the two defence forces are actively engaging border communities in villages that straddle the Botswana-Namibia frontier.
This initiative is intended to foster peaceful coexistence, sensitise border populations on key security and developmental issues, and ultimately, mitigate cross-border crimes that have plagued some parts of the region for years.
The campaign was officially launched on June 11, 2024 in Kasane, Botswana, and June 13, 2024 in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, under the theme “Working Together to Ensure Peaceful Co-existence, Security and Human Development.”
Following the successful launch, the first phase of the operations covered towns and villages from the Chobe region to the Okavango region on the Botswana side, and from Katima Mulilo to the Kavango region on the Namibian side. The second phase currently underway, is extending the campaign to 17 villages from the Okavango region to the Ghanzi region in Botswana, and 34 villages on the Namibian side.
The two army forces are currently sensitising communities on various issues such as the role of the military in a democratic society, the role and importance of CIMIC, illegal border crossing, poaching/wildlife crime, smuggling of arms, drugs and illicit goods, cattle rustling, beneficiation from conservation, human wildlife conflict amongst others.
Quizzed about the progress of this campaign, director of protocol and public affairs for the BDF, Colonel Magosi Moshagane said the initiative aims to promote peaceful co-existence, good neighborliness, and address challenges affecting border communities.
He stated that by sensitising communities on the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding, the campaign seeks to address common challenges and capitalize on opportunities for joint growth and development. He said the initiative also provided a platform for communities to voice their concerns and suggestions, ensuring that their needs are taken into account in future cooperation efforts.
Moshagane explained that while the BDF and NDF are leading the campaign, the operation is being conducted in collaboration with various government and non-government stakeholders. Additionally, he said key issues being addressed include transnational crimes, poaching, conservation awareness, and human-wildlife conflict.
“The second phase marks a significant milestone in Botswana-Namibia relations, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral ties and promoting regional stability. This is a continuing project that will only conclude once all targeted communities have been reached. Only then will an assessment be carried out to determine the successes or challenges of the campaign,” Moshagane said asked about the common challenges faced by the targeted communities.
He noted that the initiative also serves as a learning platform to develop better strategies for maintaining border security while minimizing disruptions to the daily socio-economic activities of border communities. Moshagane was adamant that the campaign's positive impact is expected to be felt for years to come, contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous border region.
The BDF further revealed to have seen great interest from the communities, who are appreciative of the initiative and believe that the campaign gave them an opportunity to share their concern with government officials from both countries on issues affecting them on daily basis.
The CIMIC initiative reflects the two nations’ commitment to a shared vision of peace, security, and human development along their border areas. The two states have historical ties that include family lineage of nationals who live in the border areas making them one people. This move is not just a bureaucratic change but a testament to their shared vision to improve the lives of our citizens through increased and smooth family visitations.
Despite the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two nations, communities living along the border, particularly in some parts of the Zambezi region and the Chobe District in Botswana, continue to face challenges related to their legal movement along the border to access shared natural and water resources.
Back in 1992, there was a skirmish between Namibia and Botswana soldiers on Sedudu Island that was resolved by the International Court of Justice in favour of Botswana back in 1999.
A few years ago residents of the Zambezi region protested against the Botswana government for what they deemed the BDF shoot-to-kill policy hostile. That was after three Namibian brothers and their cousin were shot dead by the BDF soldiers along the Chobe River but the two nation’s leaders ensured the situation was contained before it escalated.
Regardless of past disputes between Botswana and Namibia, the two countries continue to enjoy strong and friendly relations. Namibia remains a second home for Batswana, and the same is true for Namibians in Botswana, a bond clearly reflected in the warmth and hospitality extended during visits.
Efforts to improve bilateral relations have since yielded fruit as the citizens of both Botswana and Namibia can access both countries without using passports , using only their national identity card, a testament to the improved relations and cooperation between the two nations.