Can the BDF help tame Al-Shabaab?

It is almost 20 years since the Botswana Defence Force left the Horn of Africa after one of its most successful peacekeeping missions. They were withdrawing from the town of Bardera, the birthplace of the late Siad Barre, the former ruler of Somalia.

The BDF had initiated negotiations with local tribal leaders for the purpose of attaining peace. Although the initiative was not sanctioned by the UN, it proved to be one of the most creative moments in the careers of our officers and their men.