Farewell Obama
Mmegi Editor | Thursday January 12, 2017 11:19
For Botswana, Obama’s eight years as President continued and strengthened the warm relations both countries have traditionally enjoyed, held together by the shared values of democracy and sound governance. Who can forget in November 2009 when Obama, speaking to President Ian Khama in Washington, praised the “strong partnership and friendship” with Botswana, noting the country’s successes over the years? Who can forget that Obama, in his last address to the United Nations General Assembly, took time to single out Botswana as a country symbolic of good governance and development transformation in the world?
Botswana has long enjoyed economic, trade, military and aid relations with the US and for the developed country, Botswana represents a dependable strategic ally in a region of vacillating leaders. The US is the biggest consumer of Botswana’s economic mainstay, diamonds, and a key source of technical and financial support for various development and aid programmes.
Under Obama, the key AGOA trade deal was renewed to 2025, offering duty and quota access to the US market for multiple lines of commodities, thus enhancing Botswana’s lustre as an investment destination.
Under Obama, aid and bilateral assistance has not only been maintained, but strengthened to help Botswana in areas of security, education and health. It is in this last sector, health, that the relationship with the US has been particularly important, as the developed country was a major partner in helping Botswana ease out from under the existential threat of HIV/AIDS. For Botswana, president-elect Donald Trump represents an ‘unknown’, a dark horse who – after eight years of engagement with the Obama administration – seems to represent a threat to the established bilateral relations.
Trump’s desire to “bring jobs back to America” could see him push to scrap trade deals that favour countries such as Botswana and even place non-tariff barriers that squeeze certain key sectors such as textiles.
However, for now, we thank Obama for his friendship with Botswana and commitment to a relationship forged decades before his terms. Indeed, part of the peace and progress enjoyed in Botswana today is a result of having partners such as the US, on whom to call upon for assistance. This is in no way to say the relationship between Botswana and the Obama administration has all been perfect. Notable points of departure have included the CKGR/Basarwa issue and broader human rights, as well as press freedom. But even here, as is natural among friends, the differences have not broken the relationship. While Trump is the ‘dark horse’ it can only benefit Botswana that government extends a hand of friendship to his administration, in the spirit of mutual cooperation and progress.
Today’s thought
“Not only has Botswana shown itself to be an outstanding success, but it’s also been a great partner to the United States.”
- Barack Obama