Transnational organised crime remains a challenge � Segokgo
Onalenna Kelebeile | Wednesday October 4, 2017 17:35
Speaking during the opening of the ongoing 25th session of Botswana/Zambia Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security meeting on Tuesday, Segokgo said wildlife offences and smuggling of contraband are also cause for concern. “I am particularly concerned over incidents of trafficking in persons and poaching between borders,” he said.
He expressed the need for the two nations to double their efforts in these areas and was confident that the continued partnerships will produce better returns in the near future. Segokgo said the continued partnership through Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security is indicative of the commitment to improve cooperation on defence and security matters between the two countries. “This bilateral cooperation arrangement has also worked to advance the various objectives of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) including the strategic indicative plan for the organ,” he said.
The BDF Commander further said this is the first time the meeting of such magnitude is held in Selebi-Phikwe and said it was a deliberate decision in line with government’s strategy to continually stoke the flames that stimulate economic growth in the area following the closure of the BCL Mine.
“Government is committed to the Economic Diversification Drive, Economic Stimulus Programmes and to encourage flourishing economy long after mineral depletion. We therefore encourage all institutions to bring activities that have the potential to stimulate the local economy to Selebi-Phikwe,” he added.
He further said that Zambia was united in mourning former President Sir Ketumile Masire as one of the pioneers of the Pan Africanist Movement, which sought the liberation of the African continent. He noted that Masire’s deeds towards the emancipation of Southern Africa would not be lost.