Botswana swears in Duma Boko as new president

Boko, 54, inaugurated conscionable 9 days aft his statement hit nan Botswana Democratic Party, which governed for six decades.

Botswana has sworn successful Duma Boko arsenic nan country’s caller president aft his landslide predetermination triumph kicked retired nan Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which had been successful powerfulness for astir 60 years.

On Friday, Boko, 54, took nan oath successful beforehand of respective 1000 group successful nan nationalist stadium conscionable 9 days aft his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) crushed nan BDP astatine nan ballot box.

“For astir 3 people years, our populist remained unbroken, unproven and untested. On nan 30th of October this year, together, we tested this democracy,” Boko said successful a speech.

“It is pinch pride, and possibly moreover a tinge of relief, that I tin proudly opportunity we person passed this trial pinch flying colours,” he said to cheers from nan crowd.

“Together, we usher successful a caller governmental dawn.”

Last week, Boko’s left-leaning UDC won 36 seats successful parliament compared pinch conscionable 4 for nan blimpish BDP, successful a stunning reversal for nan statement that had governed diamond-rich Botswana since its independency from nan United Kingdom successful 1966.

Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who conceded conclusion 2 days aft nan ballot arsenic his party’s colossal conclusion became clear, was successful nan assemblage alongside leaders of different location countries including Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Although nan crowd booed Masisi, nan caller president praised his predecessor’s “statesmanship”.

“Please springiness him immoderate love,” Boko told nan stadium.

“Botswana has group nan illustration of a existent populist astatine activity for nan full world to spot and emulate. For that singular act, nan erstwhile president will stay inscribed prominently successful our hearts.”

Young voters made up astir a 3rd of nan much than 1 cardinal group registered to ballot successful nan arid and sparsely populated country.

Botswana, often held up arsenic 1 of Africa’s top occurrence stories, ranks among nan wealthiest and astir unchangeable democracies connected nan continent. But a world downturn successful request for mined diamonds, which relationship for much than 80 percent of Southern African exports, has taken a toll connected nan economy.

Many voters said they wanted alteration aft astir six decades of BDP rule, pinch nan main concerns being unemployment, nan disparity betwixt rich | and mediocre and nan economy, which has been deed by plummeting gem sales, nan champion of Botswana’s revenues.

Masisi’s authorities was besides accused of mismanagement, nepotism and corruption.

Boko has said a privilege for his authorities will beryllium to stabilise relations pinch partners successful nan gem industry, while diversifying nan system distant from its dependence connected nan world gem market.