Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday dismissed the permanent secretary Solomon Sekwakya and deputy permanent secretary Morrison Sinvula with immediate effect, reported Reuters.
The statement confirmed that the dismissals were effected on April 21, without giving a reason for their removal or elaborating further. The dismissal has been announced amidst a state of emergency and lockdown in Botswana to stem the spread of the coronavirus, with 20 cases reported in the country and one death.
Botswana has become the second African country to dismiss senior government officials for poor handling of the corona virus situation in the country. A few weeks ago, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame fired his Health Minister for the same reason.
President Masisi was placed in coronavirus self-isolation for 14 days recently after returning back from Namibia where he went to attend for President Hage Geingob’s inauguration in March. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Angolan President Joao Lourenco were also present at the event. Zambia and South Africa, on the other hand, had sent foreign ministers to attend the Namibia inauguration.
At the time Namibia had three confirmed coronavirus cases and Botswana had none. Masisi tested negative for COVID-19 and released from home quarantine to resume duties at his office.
The Botswana President was placed under a 14-day mandatory quarantine for a second time after a health worker screening lawmakers for coronavirus was found tested positive for Covid-19. All other members of parliament were also put in self-isolation.
The health worker was on duty in parliament during a special sitting of parliament that was called to discuss on Masisi’s proposal to extend a state of emergency. The lawmakers were given option to either self-isolate themselves at home or shift to facilities designated by the government.
Last week, all the cabinet members agreed to donate 10% of their salaries towards the country’s COVID-19 relief fund.
