Botswana/Zambia JPC Concludes Session
Onalenna Kelebeile | Monday October 9, 2017 16:28
This was said during the JPC’s 21st session on Thursday in which the two nations reaffirmed their role in resolving security challenges along their common borders. The commission also had the opportunity to assess the political and security developments in both countries and was happy that the situation had remained peaceful and stable since their last meeting. However, the commission expressed concern at the growing trends in transnational and organised crimes such as drug trafficking, threats of terrorism, human trafficking, wildlife crimes, cyber crimes as well as smuggling of contraband amongst others. The joint statement by Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Shaw Kgathi, and his Zambian counterpart, Davis Chama called on the law enforcement agencies of the two countries to enhance efforts to combat these vices.
They noted in appreciation progress on the ongoing construction of the Kazungula Bridge and the one stop border posts between the two countries, which will facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote trade, enhance regional integration, and promote south-south cooperation.
The JPC also expressed the need for the re-affirmation of the international boundary between Botswana and Zambia to be expedited and urged the responsible authorities to continue to engage stakeholders in order to meet the deadline of the African Union Border Reaffirmation Programme. Though the commission commended the people of Angola and Lesotho for having held successful elections, it was noted with concern the fragile security and political situation in Lesotho. However, the commission is hopeful that Southern African Development Commission interventions will restore peace and stability in Lesotho.
The commission further expressed concern at the deteriorating political and security situation in the eastern and central parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which remain tense amid uncertainty regarding the holding of the general elections. The JPC agreed to jointly put in place strategies to mitigate the resultant influx of refugees.
Kgathi said Botswana and Zambia have always placed the welfare of their people first as evidenced by the speed in which the two countries reacted to the anti-poaching initiatives that resulted in the few cases of poaching reported around their common boundary. “This is also demonstrated by our willingness to participate in peacekeeping and peace maintenance initiatives in the region and outside the region,” he said.
He added that the cooperation by the two countries has paid dividends and that the support and commitment by Zambia to the Kazungula Bridge project is commendable. “Security sector collaboration is pleasing because we have the opportunity to address emerging issues and take stock of our successes and failures. We are fully aware that should we fail in our duties the failure may have immediate effect on the Foreign Direct Investment.
This we cannot afford,” he said. He was happy that interaction amongst the countries’ various security agencies is smooth and the cooperation has significantly reduced cross border crime amongst others. “As small economies, we are fully aware of the devastating effects caused by wars and instability in other regions. This is why we have every reason not to lower our guards and become complacent at any point. We will remain vigilant and adapt workable strategies to cope with emerging challenges,” he noted.