TK: Let�s give Trump a chance
Boniface Keakabetse | Tuesday December 20, 2016 15:10
Khama said: “We will see what Trumps presidency brings for our natural resources conservation. I am told that past Republican governments contributed more to Botswana’s wildlife conservation compared to the Democrats. We should give Trump a chance”.
Khama however explained that Trump presidency comes with uncertainty due to his position that he does not believe in climate change. Khama also stated that they believe the Republicans are pro-trophy hunting, but vowed that Botswana would not be dissuaded on its position to ban trophy hunting.
Khama explained that it has been four years since Botswana got financial assistance from US government for conservation.
He stated that before US elections, Botswana, who hosts the provisional secretariat for Wildlife Enforcement Network for Southern Africa (WENSA), had expected $1 million funding from US government. However the finalisation of this WENSA funding is now uncertain after change of administration in the US, but expressed hope that Trump’s administration would honour the deal. WENSA was initiated by Botswana and US governments to support national and regional capacity building and cooperation for anti poaching.
Speaking during the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute and Anti Poaching Unit Training Wing graduation ceremony in Maun this week, Khama pointed a warning finger at the European Union (EU) for its opposition of the protection status of elephants and lions at Convention on Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) conference in Johannesburg. Khama explained that Botswana supported that elephants and lions protection status be changed from appendix 2 to 1, something which would have completely undermined trade in elephants products, but EU shot down the motion. Khama fumed: “Why should EU oppose this motion? What do they know about elephants because there are no elephants in EU?” he said, further accusing EU of an agenda to keep Africa as their hunting ground. In a follow-up interview, Khama mentioned the era of King Leopold II who ruled Belgian Congo, now Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 1908-1960 when scores of wildlife were butchered and taken to Europe. He hinted the DRC past experiences are testimony of rich EU wanting to control Africa for their hunting interest, vowing that however Botswana has had enough.
In his speech, Khama revealed that Botswana Wildlife Act is being reviewed to address challenges that could not be addressed under conditions of service outlined in the general orders. “I intend to amend our Act to make provision for the anti-poaching personnel to deploy 24 hours with requisite equipment to meet challenges associated with poaching.”
He revealed that however all individuals joining anti-poaching after a new legislation, will automatically be subjected to it while those already in the service will have an option to stay under General Orders, or switch to new a dispensation.
He explained that his dream is to see the anti-poaching unit becoming a formidable force with the same strength as Directorate of Intelligence Securities, Botswana Defence Force and Botswana Police Services.
He said the unit would be empowered with all the equipment it requires to do its work diligently.
Khama further told his charges to work diligently or face the consequences. He said anyone in his ministry who is not a team worker must reform or face an inconvenience of being moved elsewhere.