PARLIAMENT – The President, Dr Ian Khama on Monday continued his snub of Parliament sessions despite the state visit by the Namibian President, Hage Geingob who also addressed Parliament. As part of his two days state visit to Botswana, the Namibian President addressed parliament Monday afternoon.
Following a state luncheon hosted by President Khama at the Gaborone International Conference Centre (GICC), Geingob headed to parliament where he addressed both the ruling and opposition Members of Parliament on relations between Botswana and Namibia. However despite the expectation that President Khama would accompany his guest, he was nowhere to be seen.
Speaker of the national assembly Gladys Kokorwe could not explain Khama’s absence during her welcome speech while the Vice President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is also the leader of the house, gave vote of thanks on behalf of Members of Parliament. Masisi also did not mention the whereabouts of President Khama.
Geingob became the second sitting President to address Botswana parliament following in the footsteps of former South African President Thabo Mbeki who did his address back in 2003.
In his address on Monday Geingob appreciated Botswana’s assistance during the colonial oppression that his country went through some years back. He noted that most of his countrymen, including himself ran to Botswana as they regarded it as “safe haven”.
“I was a refugee based in Francistown in this country in 1962,” Geingob said Monday.
Despite Khama’s absence, Geingob sang the praises of Botswana’s low corruption and good governance. He however dared the political leaders to consider declaring their assets as part of public accountability.
