By Lwazi Dlamini
ESWATINI has thrown its weight fully behind the new Botswana President, His Excellency Duma Gideon Boko whose party, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), won with a 35-seat threshold to win the majority in the general elections on Friday.
Boko, the 54-year-old former Human Rights lawyer, was declared the election winner on Friday over incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi in a seismic change that ended the ruling party’s 58 years in power since independence from Britain.
The UDC has pledged to adopt a new economic strategy that creates well-paying jobs and distributes wealth that empowers all citizens.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini in a press statement congratulated the new Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, assuring him of the Kingdom’s continued support.
“On behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, the Government and the People of the Kingdom of Eswatini, I extend our sincere congratulations to Your Excellency, President Duma Gideon Boko, on your election as President of the Republic of Botswana,” the Premier said.
Dlamini said the Kingdom of Eswatini is confident that, under Boko’s leadership, the Republic of Botswana will continue to thrive and advance peace, stability and sustainable development.
“Your election stands as a testament to the strength of Botswana’s democracy and the trust and confidence that the people of Botswana have placed in you.
We have no doubt that you will guide your great Nation towards further prosperity, and democratic progress,” Dlamini said.
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He added: “As we celebrate this significant occasion, we express our hope that the warm relations between Eswatini and Botswana will deepen, bringing mutual benefits to our People. We wish the People of Botswana continued Prosperity during your term.”
The 54-year-old, of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, will replace President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who on Friday conceded defeat after his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost by a landslide for the first time in 58 years.
“From tomorrow… I will start the process of handover,” Masisi said in an audio clip posted on social media of his phone call to Boko, signalling a smooth power transition.
In his first public remarks after being sworn-in as the new president, Boko said he was humbled by the election outcome.
“I pledge with every fibre of my being that I will do everything I can, not to fail, not to disappoint, appreciating always the enormity of the responsibility bestowed upon me by the people of this republic. It is their government,” he said.
The Prime Minister returned to the country on Saturday after representing His Majesty King Mswati III and the Nation at the 23rd COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit.
The Premier, while in Burundi, also paid a courtesy visit to the President of Burundi H.E Evariste Ndayishimiye where he delivered a special from Their Majesties and congratulated the President for hosting a successful COMESA Summit.
During the COMESA Summit, Eswatini showcased its dedication to regional economic development and trade expansion as Prime Minister Russell Dlamini emphasized the kingdom’s milestones in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Area.
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The Premier asserted that Eswatini’s active participation in the COMESA Free Trade Area (FTA) has opened the door to diversified trade, collaborative efforts for regional stability, and inclusive growth, which is a notable achievement for the nation.
The Prime Minister made these submissions during a plenary session where he delivered the intervention on the participation of the Kingdom of Eswatini in the COMESA Free Trade Area.
The 23rd COMESA Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Bujumbura was convened under the theme: “Accelerating Regional Integration through the Development of Regional Value Chains in Climate-Resilient Agriculture, Mining, and Tourism.”
When submitting, Dlamini said that Eswatini’s journey in COMESA has been rooted in a strategic push to reduce reliance on limited export markets and create economic resilience.
“Having signed the Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) agreement, which encompasses COMESA, the East African Community, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Eswatini is embracing broader market opportunities and has committed to supporting the TFTA’s full operationalization.
The Kingdom deposited its ratification instrument in November 2022, solidifying its dedication to this extensive regional framework,” the Prime Minister submitted.
The Prime Minister said that Eswatini’s involvement in the COMESA FTA is not just a trade milestone, but it represents a fundamental commitment to strengthening alliances with neighbouring countries.
Through COMESA, Eswatini collaborates with regional partners to address pressing issues, including climate change, food security, and sustainable manufacturing.
