Botswana�s abandoned Gaza Strip

To curtail the problem of illegal immigrants and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Botswana erected a high electric fence along the border with Zimbabwe dubbed ‘Gaza Strip’. Mmegi Staffer OARABILE MOSIKARE reflects on events leading to the erection of the fence and intended purpose

Botswana was losing millions of pula every year deporting illegal immigrants back to its economically and politically unstable Southern African neighbour, Zimbabwe.  Not only was Botswana confronted with the issue of illegals but also the deadly FMD caused by cattle from across the border.

In 2003 the leadership of Botswana, under pressure from its citizens, erected the 2.4 metre high electric fence stretching nearly 800 kilometres of its border with Zimbabwe.

Editor's Comment
Khama, Masisi should rise above personal differences

Hurt as he may have been, former president Ian Khama, Sir Seretse’s senior son who was given an opportunity to speak on behalf of the Seretse family, couldn’t mince his words as he took advantage to shred his successor Mokgweetsi Masisi to pieces.He, however, did not clearly mention names but he referred to Masisi as the leader of a political party that was founded amongst others by his father.He would also address him as the former State...

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