Parliamentarians slam false asylum claims by Batswana abroad
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday August 19, 2025 08:35
The Legislators said they are aware of reports indicating that certain citizens mislead host countries by alleging that they fled Botswana due to fears of ritual killings, escalating gender-based violence (GBV), or other threats to personal safety. They warned that such allegations, described as unfounded, paint a misleading and damaging picture of the country’s human rights record and overall safety.
The MPs made the remarks when responding to a question that was asked by the MP for Tlokweng, Phenyo Segokgo. Segokgo had asked the Minister of International Relations if he was aware of any citizens of Botswana who have sought asylum in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and to also state the reported numbers of such asylum seekers in each country over the past five years.
Moreover, he also wanted to know the reasons cited by the asylum seekers and steps, if any, the government has taken to address the root causes leading to such asylum claims.
The Legislators insisted that the matter be treated as urgent, calling on the government to take decisive action to protect Botswana’s image. Amongst the proposals was for the Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, to directly engage with governments in affected countries to present factual information and debunk the false narratives.
Furthermore, the MPs cautioned that if the trend continues unchecked, it could have direct diplomatic and economic repercussions, including the possibility that some nations may impose visa requirements on Batswana travelers.
Segokgo had also asked the ministry if the government does not see the need to engage and build relationships with the affected countries, establish bilateral relations that can allow Batswana to visit and look for jobs freely.
For her part, Kgatleng West MP, Unity Dow, said that when people provide false information about the country just because they want to stay in other countries, that matter should be taken seriously because it tarnishes the local country’s integrity. She further condemned their actions, stating that such allegations are likely to make such countries impose strict restrictions on Batswana when they want to enter their countries, to the point of demanding a VISA.
“Batho kana ba senya lefatshe leina, kgang e gaya tshwanela go tsewa mothofo because etswa kgakala e ntse e direga. (This matter should be treated as a matter of urgency because it tarnishes the country’s integrity. We are likely to be required to obtain a visa when visiting most countries because of these false claims,” Dow said.
Responding to the concerns on behalf of the international relations ministry, Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa acknowledged being aware of the disturbing claims. He noted that in some cases, foreign authorities are not even familiar with the concept of ritual killings and would give asylum, but such unfounded statements create unnecessary alarm.
“What is worrisome is that the same individuals who make these false claims abroad eventually return home, indirectly proving that there was no basis for their allegations; it shows that they would have gone there to look for greener pastures and later return home,” Mohwasa said.
He agreed with MPs that the behaviour hurts the country’s integrity and reputation in the international community.
The minister stressed the need for continued monitoring of the situation and closer collaboration between Botswana and the concerned foreign governments to safeguard the nation’s standing. However, the minister said they do not have statistics regarding their numbers in each of the countries.
“This is primarily because asylum seekers are handled exclusively by those respective governments and have not been granted Botswana access to detailed records of those asylum applications or outcomes. The main reasons cited by those asylum seekers include Gender Based Violence (GBV), homophobia, discrimination based on sexual orientation, fears related to ritual murders and concerns over their personal safety and human rights issues,” he said.
He stated that the ministry has since established a steering committee to deal with the matter that comprises relevant stakeholders who deal with foreign relations, immigration, and security issues. He said the committee will analyse patterns of external travelers, monitor incidents of illegal immigration and other activities by Botswana passport holders to close loopholes associated with illegal immigration.
Mohwasa also said they will report on emerging trends on Batswana external travelers and recommend mitigation strategies.
“It will also recommend mitigating strategies with regard to the root cause that compelled our citizens to seek refuge elsewhere, especially since the country is currently faced with pressing issues of unemployment amongst the youth,” he said.
He further stated that he had started to build such relations, explaining that they recently in July had visitors from the United Kingdom and Botswana has to protect such relations, and they believe that they can do so if they have good relationships. He said Botswana is one of the few countries in Southern Africa whose people can visit the UK without a visa requirement, hence the need to protect the arrangement.