The mission to be led by the two countries Foreign Affairs Ministers is reportedly prompted by continuing tensions along the borderlines and is further aimed at quelling ongoing efforts to fan the flames.
In a brief interview, this week, Dr Lemogang Kwape, confirmed that their tour will begin somewhere around October this year and geared towards reminding the affected communities that they despite existing borderlines, they are one.
“These closely intertwined communities share a familial bond, necessitating their coexistence in a state of harmonious unity. Wherever disputes have arisen or lingered, it is our firm belief that a proactive approach to addressing them is essential,” Kwape said.
According to him, the joint mission signifies the enduring friendship between two nations known for their political stability. It is understood that the move aims to bridge divides, enhance understanding, and nurture relationships between local communities, leaders, and citizens who have been directly impacted by the recent tensions.
“This initiative aims to rekindle the spirit of unity that has historically characterized relations between Botswana and Namibia, reflecting the deep cultural, economic, and political connections they share,” explained Kwape.
While this is happening, the Namibian parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, defense, and security, is investigating allegations of intimidation, aggression, and fatalities involving Namibian citizens by the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and is expected to release its findings soon which insiders say could further spark and escalate tensions.
The committee’s mandate according to Namibian press involved engaging with affected communities, traditional authorities, advocacy groups, regional leaders, and security force leaders to comprehensively assess the severity of the security situation along the Namibian border shared with Botswana. In addition, the committee aimed to gain insights into and thoroughly examine the contents of the boundary treaty agreement inked between Namibia and Botswana back in 2018.
A boundary treaty agreement, often simply referred to as a border treaty, is a formal and legally binding agreement between two or more countries to establish and define the borders that separate their territories. These treaties are crucial for maintaining peaceful relations and clear demarcation between neighboring nations. The primary purpose of a boundary treaty is to prevent disputes, conflicts, and ambiguities related to territorial boundaries.
In spite of ongoing peace initiatives, the Namibian communities remain resolute in their pursuit of justice for their fellow citizens who lost their lives at the hands of the Botswana Defence Force. Though the support of the Namibians Lives Matter pressure group, the affected communities have not wavered in their call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to these tragic deaths. It is understood that the Parliamentary probe has renewed hope among the affected communities that their voices will be heard and that the truth surrounding the incidents will come to light.
Recently the pressure group leaders called for Parliament to speed up the process for the tabling of the report.