BOCONGO statement on disturbing media reports about De Beers and Botswana leadership

| Friday February 5, 2010 00:00

The media is replete with reports on:*Alleged interference and influence of De Beers on the political landscape in Botswana.*Alleged abuse of power and governance trust by our leaders in their dealings with De Beers for personal and political gain at the expense of our democracy.*Alleged attempts to interfere with the Botswana justice system by stopping the on going court case in which Louis Nchindo and company face criminal charges for alleged activities while employed by De Beers. *Alleged abuse of proceeds from Botswana's God given diamond resource.*Alleged confirmations by De Beers on the bailing out of Sir Ketumile Masire and of donations to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) 'over the years and most recently in the late 1990s as part of a regional study on democracy.' (Guardian, January 22, 2010 & January 29 2010, Sunday Standard, January 17-23, 2010, January 24 - 30 2010 & January 31 - February 6  2010). 

Any patriot will agree that these media reports are not just cause of great consternation but also an embarrassment and assault to our democracy and governance structures and processes.

Such developments compromise the integrity and credibility of Botswana as a shining example of democracy and good governance. While it could be argued that the reports are on private dealings, they have the potential to erode the confidence and trust that the nation has bestowed on its leaders and raise questions of economic crime and the negotiated diamond mining deal between Botswana Government and De Beers.

 BOCONGO therefore:*Urges the current government and leadership with immediate effect institute a commission of enquiry to carry out a thorough investigation and take decisive action on this matter and on any other undisclosed private dealings that have a bearing on democracy and governance issues at national and district levels.  

*Urges Government to implement the motion adopted by Parliament some years ago that calls for the declaration of assets and liabilities by political leaders.

*That the Freedom of Information Act be instituted to allow transparency in public interest dealings. As partners in development, we the Civil Society Organisations remain committed to working with government and all other stakeholders to achieve the goals and ideals of Vision 2016 and the Millennium Development Goals.

It is our conviction that this cannot be possible in an environment clouded by lack of transparency, accountability and good governance. Thank you.

Rev Mosweu SimaneExecutive Secretary