Mmegi

What’s next for the diamond deal?

New deal: Boko and De Beers CEO, Al Cook, have already met several times PIC: BWPRESIDENCY
New deal: Boko and De Beers CEO, Al Cook, have already met several times PIC: BWPRESIDENCY

Soon and very soon, both sides say, but precious few details have emerged as to whether the deal being hammered out between De Beers and the Boko administration represents minor service or an overhaul. MBONGENI MGUNI & TIMOTHY LEWANIKA report

In his initial remarks after his ascension to the highest post President Duma Boko, said De Beers had been ready to walk away from its 55-year partnership with Botswana, adding that negotiated deals should not result in one side celebrating and another feeling cheated.

“A proper negotiation involves compromise, where you get a bit of what you wanted, the other person gets a bit,” he said. “Then you have a durable, sustainable agreement. “De Beers was considering walking away, not signing at all, a very dangerous position to be in as a country.”

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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