Officiating at the launch, the Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, revealed that the launch of CIMIC activities precedes a series of campaigns that will target 21 villages along the common border on the Botswana side and 19 villages on the Namibian side.
“This initiative reflects our shared vision and dedication to improving the lives of our citizens. These activities are designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by our border communities, ensuring that our defence forces are not only guardians of our nations but also play a vital contributor to human development and peaceful coexistence. The two nations share more than just a border, they share a history, a culture, and a future intertwined by the aspirations and dreams of our people,” he said.
Mmusi said the two border communities need to be aware of the legal implications and potential dangers associated with these crimes. He stated that the campaign will educate citizens on the importance of adhering to the gazetted border entry points or legal entry points, the risks involved in illegal crossings, and the benefits of maintaining orderly and secure borders.
“The initiative marks a pivotal step in the two nations’ journey, highlighting the importance of collaboration in fostering peace, security, and sustainable development for its communities. Another sensitisation campaign will be for human-wildlife conflict and it is to be carried out from August 6-9, 2024, whereby communities will be educated and sensitised about animal behaviour and how to co-exist with them. Our rich biodiversity is a precious resource that must be protected,” Mmusi said.
He added that the campaign will also inform communities about the importance of conserving the nations’ fauna and flora, the economic and ecological benefits of wildlife conservation. He said by fostering a sense of stewardship, the two states can ensure that natural heritage is preserved for future generations.
In addition to these sensitisation campaigns, the joint efforts will include routine coordinated patrols to enhance border security and curb illegal activities. Mmusi said the patrols will not only ensure the safety of the citizens but will also foster greater cooperation and trust between the military forces.
“These projects should focus on infrastructure development, healthcare services, educational initiatives, and disaster response preparedness, ensuring that our citizens have the resources and opportunities they need to prosper. A serious aspect of our collaboration is our collective conservation strategy that will enhance the tourism industry. By working together to protect our natural resources, we can enhance the lives of our communities and curb poaching for good,” he said.
The minister further stated that their joint efforts should focus on community engagement hence the need to involve local communities in conservation efforts, providing education and resources to promote sustainable practices and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Through coordinated patrols and intelligence sharing, Mmusi said the two states will strengthen their capacity to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, ensuring that those who threaten their natural heritage are held accountable.
“By integrating conservation with community development, we can create alternative livelihoods that reduce dependence on poaching and foster economic growth. Chobe and Ngami areas are part of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Trans Frontier Conservation Area, one of the largest conservation areas in the world. This unique region is a testament to our commitment to cross border conservation and sustainable development. Protecting these areas is not only vital for bio-diversity but also for the socio-economic benefits they bring to our communities,” he said.
Mmusi applauded the NDF for their unwavering commitment and partnership in this initiative stating that together, they are setting a powerful example of what can be achieved when nations unite in the spirit of cooperation and mutual support. For his part, the Namibian Minister of Defence, Frans Kapofi, said Botswana and Namibia have historical ties that include family lineage of nationals who live in the border areas making them one people. He added that it is natural for family members to have differences sometimes and Botswana and Namibia have had their differences too in the past, which sometimes resulted in losses of lives.
However, Kapofi said the good thing that has always happened amidst those differences is that the two governments have always sought peaceful resolutions including seeking legal recourses. “Our differences have always revolved around activities taking place along the borderline, which is not identifiable at some points. As a result, our governments have taken advantage of the African Union border management programme, which promotes the joint governance of African interstate borders as instruments for conflict prevention and vectors of peace, security and stability by formulating a boundary treaty, which was signed by the Namibian late President Dr Hage Geingob and the former President of Botswana Ian Khama in 2018. Even though this treaty is not yet fully operational, efforts are being made to expedite its operationalisation,” he said.
Kapofi stated that the unfettered movement of the two nations’ people across the common border has always been the desire of the two governments hence the agreement of the two states to abolish the usage of passports between Botswana and Namibia.
He said the move was not just a bureaucratic change but a testament to their shared vision to improve the lives of our citizens through increased and smooth family visitations. “Our countries continue to face numerous challenges along our shared border that range from illegal fishing, illegal border crossing, house breaking at lodges along the Chobe and the Zambezi rivers, cattle theft and poaching, which is chief among these criminal activities. It is, however, disheartening that those crimes are being perpetrated by foreign nationals who sometimes take advantage of our people’s hospitality to commit such crimes,” he said. He said communities living along the border’s involvement and awareness are critical to the success of the security and law enforcement agencies’ efforts and this plan is not just a strategy but a beacon of hope for a safer and more secure future for our communities.
