Expel Russian ambassador – Khama
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday November 2, 2026 06:00
As a result the former president Ian Khama has called for the expulsion of Russia’s ambassador to Botswana. He questioned the government’s decision to establish an embassy in Russia while Batswana continue to be recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. Khama also challenged the government to explain how its diplomatic engagement with Russia aligns with Botswana’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law, particularly amid reports of Batswana being recruited to fight in the ongoing war. “There must be consequences regarding the Russian Embassy here.
The Ambassador must be expelled. “We cannot let them go for free without consequences when they are recruiting our people. Why should we open an embassy in Russia,” Khama said on Thursday at Ntlo ya Dikgosi. He also sought clarity on whether human rights and the rule of law inform Botswana’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations with other countries. Khama also pressed the government to state its position on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, particularly regarding civilian protection, humanitarian access, international humanitarian law and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Furthermore, he sought clarification on Botswana’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the application of international law, including the rules governing the conduct of hostilities. In response, Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa said Botswana was concerned about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and maintained that civilians must be protected. “The country is concerned by the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
The civilians must be protected,” added Mohwasa, who was answering questions on behalf of the Ministry of International Relations. Mohwasa said Botswana would continue engaging with other countries on global challenges, emphasising the importance of protecting human rights. “Botswana will keep on dialoguing with other countries on issues affecting global challenges. Human rights are protected,” told the tribal leaders. However, Mohwasa’s response did not directly explain the government’s decision to establish the embassy in Russia in light of concerns over the reported recruitment of Batswana to participate in the war. Earlier this week, the Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale dismissed claims that Batswana have died after being lured into the Russia-Ukraine war. Butale was responding to one of the questions from Khama.
The former president had enquired if government was aware of reports concerning recruitment of Batswana to participate in the Russia–Ukraine war and what measures government has put in place to avert that. Khama also wanted to know whether Botswana has undertaken any diplomatic engagement with Russian government concerning such recruitment and how many citizens have died, been injured, or captured in the conflict. In response to the packed question, Butale had confirmed that there have been Batswana who have been lured to partake in the war between the two European neighbouring countries.
“Botswana is indeed aware of reports and confirmed cases of Batswana participating on the Russian side in the Russia–Ukraine war,” Butale said. “Some individuals were allegedly deceived by promises of lucrative employment opportunities abroad whilst others appear to have travelled with knowledge of military activities.” The minister revealed that during their investigations, government ascertained that more than 20 Batswana have been reported missing in the recruitment exercise. “Between June 2025 and now, a total of 27 Batswana men were reported missing, and are believed to have travelled to the Russian Federation to fight in the Russian–Ukraine war. “Of the 27 who travelled to the Russian Federation, eight were intercepted before reaching their destination and were returned to Botswana.
Four were repatriated from Russia to Botswana, and the remaining 15 are still missing and are believed to still be in Russia,” he answered. Since the rising cases, Butale told Ntlo Ya Dikgosi that government has put in place several measures to combat this challenge together with the involved countries. “Since becoming aware of these cases, Botswana has taken a decision to protect Botswana citizens against unlawful and deceptive recruitment,” he told dikgosi.