Boko should stop the fighting and start the delivering

The Monitor Editor | Wednesday November 12, 2025 15:36

With his theme of 'Delivering on Our Promise, One Step at a Time', he sought to project an image of a focused, determined leader building a new ‘Rome’. Sadly, parts of his speech were not about laying bricks, but about settling old scores.

It is deeply worrying that a head of government would use such a pivotal national address to launch another bitter broadside against the media and his political detractors. His portrayal of the 'entire press corps' as 'aroused, mobilised, and weaponised' against his party is not just an exaggeration, but also a dangerous dismissal of a pillar of our democracy. To speak of the 'most beautiful symphony of comeuppance' is not the language of a unifying leader. It is the language of a combatant still fighting an election that he has already won.

Mr President, the people spoke on October 30, 2024. They gave you the mandate to govern. The 'gloss and charm of novelty,' as you yourself admitted, is now behind you. Batswana are no longer interested in hearing about the failures of prophets and pundits. They are waiting for the promises you made to become a reality in their lives. They are concerned with the sobering reality of a strained economy, the critical condition of the golden goose, and the need for better jobs, healthcare, and opportunities.

Your chosen metaphor is perfect; a steady path requires focus on the road ahead, not looking back to shout at those you have passed. Every moment spent re-fighting the last war is a moment lost in building the future.

Therefore, we call on you, Mr President, to declare a ceasefire. End this war of words with the media. A free and robust press is not your enemy, but it is an essential partner in holding power to account and informing the citizenry. A government confident in its masterplan should have nothing to fear from scrutiny.

It is time for delivery. Focus on the monumental task before you. Honour your undertakings by not just detailing the bricks, but by visibly and tangibly laying them. Improve working conditions for all Batswana, starting by fostering a better, more collaborative relationship with the journalists who report on your progress. The nation is waiting, and its patience, like the public fiscus, is not infinite. Stop fighting the shadows of the past, and start building the future you promised.