New BDF boss warns on poor army conditions

Segokgo-New Commander with President Khama and Mister of Defence Justice and Security Kgathi
Segokgo-New Commander with President Khama and Mister of Defence Justice and Security Kgathi

The new Botswana Defence Force (BDF) commander, Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo who yesterday (Thursday) took over command from his former boss, Gaolathe Galebotswe has promised to make the working conditions of the army one of his priorities.

“My focus as Commander of the BDF shall be in the five key areas of capability, improvement of our conditions of service, the finalisation of the BDF Act review and the provision of ready trained forces all underpinned by our values,” he said in his remarks following the change of command.

Segokgo warned that no military could ever provide credible defence deterrence without taking care of its people.  “The welfare of our nation should remain an enduring principle of our defence strategy. Young Batswana continue to join the BDF because they are convinced of the underlying ideals of our country- a free and democratic people committed to the national principles of democracy, development, self-reliance and unity,” he said. The incoming commander says the BDF must ensure that these ideals are exemplified by rewarding the patriotism and loyalty of our men and women in uniform and their civilian counterparts with a defence force committed to their conditions of service.

Editor's Comment
Gov’t must rectify recognition of Khama as Kgosi

While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....

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