Botswana newest elected President Mokgweetsi Masisi got sworn in for a five-year term at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena in the capital, Gaborone, on Friday, a week after his party won the election, reported Reuters.
The Botswana Democratic Party won 38 of the 57 constituencies, while the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change won 15 seats. The BDP has been in power since Botswana attained its independence in 1966.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by former President Festus Mogae, Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zambian President Edgar Lungu and representatives of other SADC Heads of State and Government. Notably, former president Ian Khama did not attend the inauguration as he has been embroiled in a dispute with Masisi since last year.
Speaking from the stage after taking the oath, Masisi promised to shift Botswana’s economy away from the current minerals-led economy to a knowledge-based economy. He ensured that his government would implement reforms to make its products and services more competitive on the global market.
“My government will put in place… mechanisms through the application of practices of good governance to ensure that corruption is defeated,” he said. “I am committed to the rule of law in this country in order to enhance confidence in this country and send a message to all of us that the law must be abided by or face the consequences of non-compliance.”
Masisi said his government is committed to prioritizing job creation, particularly for the young people who are the worst affected by unemployment. He added that steps will be taken to fight the challenges of HIV/AIDS, unemployment, corruption and climate change in the long-peaceful southern African nation.
The president also urged the people of Botswana to come together and fight the myriad of challenges, the nation of 2.2 million people is facing.
