Soldiers must never use military training at home – Boko
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday May 26, 2026 10:38
Officially opening the 21st BDF Strategic Conference yesterday, Boko said members of the disciplined forces are trained to protect lives, not take them in non-combat situations. He stressed that the skills soldiers acquire in the use of lethal force should never be turned against civilians or intimate partners.
'You are trained to protect lives. You are experts in the use of lethal force. That is all the more reason why you must never use these skills to take the life of a civilian or any person in a non-combat situation,' he said.
The President acknowledged that incidents involving soldiers killing their partners have tarnished the image of the BDF and undermined its long-standing reputation for discipline. He said the defence force must intensify efforts to sensitise troops on handling relationship challenges and emotional distress without resorting to violence.
Boko emphasised that betrayal, heartbreak, and failed relationships are realities of life that affect everyone, including soldiers. However, he said such experiences can never justify violence.
'There is no justification under any circumstance for inflicting violence or death on another person, regardless of what that person may have done to you,' he said.
Drawing from his experience as a lawyer, Boko recounted the story of a senior BDF officer who sought legal assistance for a divorce after enduring years of abuse from his wife. Despite being physically assaulted on numerous occasions, the officer never retaliated because he had vowed never to lay a hand on a woman and feared that if he reacted violently, he might lose control.
The President said the officer's restraint deepened his respect for the BDF and demonstrated the level of discipline expected from military personnel.
'I developed immense respect for him because he maintained discipline even under the most difficult circumstances,' Boko said.
He urged soldiers to remember their training whenever they face emotional challenges, including infidelity and relationship breakdowns.
'When your partner leaves you, it is not an indictment of you. It does not mean you have failed. Accept it, move on, and do so without violence,' he said.
Boko also called on society to view divorce as a legitimate and peaceful way of ending relationships that are no longer working, rather than forcing people to remain in unhappy unions. He argued that allowing couples to separate amicably can help prevent violence and tragedy.
The President further criticised societal attitudes that place unrealistic expectations on relationships and contribute to emotional pressure. He said people should learn to accept that relationships sometimes end despite one partner doing everything right.
Besides GVB, Boko addressed welfare concerns affecting members of the BDF. He acknowledged shortages of military housing and pledged that the government would accelerate efforts to provide decent accommodation for men and women in uniform.
He also expressed concern about the financial hardships faced by many retired soldiers, noting that some leave the force only to fall into poverty due to inadequate retirement benefits.
'We need to ensure that those who have served this country continue to live dignified lives after retirement,' he said.
Amongst the solutions being considered, Boko said the government is exploring the development of a military industrial complex that could see Botswana manufacture and sell military equipment, creating economic opportunities whilst strengthening support systems for former service members.
Throughout his address, Boko maintained that discipline, emotional maturity, and respect for human life must remain at the core of military service, both on and off duty.
'The reason you were trained the way you were is so that you appreciate and respect the sanctity of human life. Gender-based violence is a gross violation of that sanctity,' he said.