US nudges Botswana towards Freedom of Information law

Gothataone Moeng | Friday June 27, 2014 17:01

 

 Murphy said the intention to bring the bill to Parliament shows government’s recognition of the important role information plays in the successful functioning of a democracy.

Murphy was speaking on Wednesday evening at the US Embassy in Gaborone’s early official celebration of America’s Independence Day. America gained its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.

Murphy said the passing of a Freedom of Information law would further cement Botswana’s position as a global leader on issues of government transparency and accountability.

“It will empower the people of Botswana with an essential tool to ensure the continued health and vibrancy of its democracy. It will also allow Botswana to take its rightful place in a club to which Botswana naturally belongs, the Open Government Partnership (OGP),” he said.

The OGP, a multilateral initiative, was launched in 2001, with the aims of promoting transparency, fighting corruption, empowering citizens and strengthening governance. Thus far, only three African countries are part of the OGP.

“Given Botswana’s long history as a well-governed democracy, Botswana would be a natural addition to the OGP. I hope to be able to celebrate Botswana’s addition to the venerable partnership soon after Parliament acts on the Freedom of Information Bill,” Murphy said.

Last year ruling party MPs opposed a Freedom of Information bill brought to Parliament by Botswana Congress Party president, Dumelang Saleshando.  

Following the defeat of the bill, Mokgweetsi Masisi, then Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, said he would bring another FOI bill to Parliament.