President Duma Boko Calls for National Responsibility in Botswana’s Future. In a compelling address, President Duma Boko urged Batswana to take an active role in shaping the country’s future, emphasizing the urgent need for economic diversification, accountability, and civic engagement.
Speaking on the nation’s longstanding dependence on diamond wealth, President Boko highlighted the risks of failing to diversify the economy. “We were not robust enough in diversifying. We didn’t invest enough in climate-resilient infrastructure, and we saw the consequences with the recent floods,” he stated, underscoring the importance of sustainable economic strategies.
The President also addressed concerns over corruption and governance issues, citing their impact on economic instability and social inequality. “We have experienced a lot of corruption, a lack of accountability, and other difficulties that have set us back. But we must learn from these experiences.”
Challenging citizens to take responsibility, he called for greater civic participation. “Some of these things happened because good people like yourselves saw what was happening but chose to remain supine. You didn’t speak out. You didn’t join the chorus of those who felt the country was taking a wrong turn,” he remarked.
President Boko stressed the importance of ensuring a better future for the next generation, questioning whether citizens were fulfilling their duty as responsible stewards of the nation. “These little ones are growing up. What do we bequeath to them if we cease to care? What kind of country will we hand over to them? A collapsed economy defined by rampant youth unemployment and runaway corruption?”
Concluding his speech, he urged all Batswana to remain actively engaged in national affairs. “It is your task to think about your country every moment of your life and to appreciate the role you must play in ensuring its progress.”
