Botswana to boycott SADC summit

On August 16, 2008, SADC member states go for the organisation's 28th Ordinary Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. Indications are that SADC member states are split on whether to allow Mugabe to attend the coming summit. Nevertheless, Botswana has already taken a stand.

In an interview, Skelemani said if Mugabe is invited to the summit, the gesture might give the impression that Mugabe is the legitimate head of state when in fact Botswana does not recognise his March 27 victory. "Until they have agreed on whatever formation of government, Botswana will not be attending the meeting with those that want him to attend," said Skelemani.