Mophuthing sets bold reform agenda as new BDF Commander
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday November 4, 2025 11:48
Speaking during the change-of-command ceremony at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) yesterday, Mophuting outlined five strategic priorities that he said will chart the course of the BDF’s future and reposition the military in line with Botswana’s evolving security needs and economic realities.
Mophuting takes over from Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo, who has retired after leading the BDF since 2019.
Whilst committing to modernising the force, Mophuting stressed that the welfare of soldiers will remain at the centre of all transformation efforts.
“Modernisation must be people-centric. Our greatest asset is not machinery, it is the men and women who wear the uniform of the republic. We will put the welfare of our soldiers first, ensuring that the fundamentals of service reflect dignity and pride,” he said.
He said the BDF would pursue equipment and structural upgrades only to the extent that they enhance operational readiness, professionalism and troop welfare. The incoming commander vowed to strengthen command structures and rebuild trust in the chain of command, saying leadership must inspire, not intimidate.
“Command must be clear, responsive, and rooted in trust. We will nurture mentorship, professionalism, and unity across all ranks,” he said.
Mophuting pledged to continue reforms within the military justice system to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. He warned that discipline without justice “is tyranny”, adding that a credible justice system is central to professionalism. The new commander also promised to develop a coherent BDF strategy and doctrine that will guide operations and align the force with modern defence standards.
With the country facing fiscal constraints, Mophuting said the BDF must lead by example in financial prudence.
“We must be vigilant stewards of the public trust. Every pula must deliver value, not in comfort or convenience, but in mission effectiveness,” he said, vowing to cut waste and strengthen accountability.
In his tribute to former commanders, Mophuting honoured his predecessors for shaping the BDF’s legacy and paid a personal homage to Segokgo, joking that retirement marked his “quiet redeployment to Tlokweng”.
President Duma Boko recently elevated the BDF commander’s rank to four-star general, a move Mophuting described as a milestone that “signals institutional maturity and modernisation”.
Mophuting, who has served in the military for 37 years, said he was ready to lead the force with “justice, courage, and discipline”.
“The BDF remains the sword and shield of our country; we exist not merely to defend borders but to safeguard the peace, dignity, and destiny of our people.”
For his part, the outgoing commander, Lieutenant General Segokgo, thanked members of the BDF for their dedication, support in making his tenure a memorable one. He said that throughout his journey, after joining the army as a young man of 20 years, his life in the military has been a journey of transformation.
'Over the years, they have confronted challenges, celebrated successes, and overcome hurdles that tested us,' Segokgo said, stating that one notable effort that will forever remain in his memories is the spirit of selflessness that members of the BDF demonstrated during his command.
He said through their collective goodwill and sense of call to national duty, members of the BDF personally raised P10 million, which was donated to the national Covid-19 relief fund. He said that the singular act of generosity reflected their compassion for the people they serve.
“It was a true reflection of BDF members to serve, sacrifice and have solidarity with the nation in times of crisis. Moreover, your commitment to duty and determination during the SADC mission in Mozambique, most recently with SAMIM, was second to none. You performed your task in a multi-national force with courage and professionalism, often under trying, demanding conditions. You have proven beyond reasonable doubt that BDF remains ready to uphold peace and security not only within our borders but across the region,” Segokgo said.