BOTSWANA: Botswana To Use Military To Combat Poaching

President Ian Khama has said that incidents continue to show that Botswana’s tourism industry is under threat from poaching activities, prompting his resolve to resort to the military to curb the practice.Recently Botswana was embroiled in a controversy with its neighbours who accused her soldiers of being trigger-happy after they shot dead suspected poachers.

Speaking at an officer cadet parade in Gaborone, Khama said Botswana has an economy that relies on diamonds, beef and tourism amongst others.

Addressing the soldiers he declared: You will from time to time, be called for duty to curb such incidents in our operational areas and to secure our borders.

Perhaps in reference to encounters with armed poachers, Khama warned the officers that they will be exposed to hardship, danger, fatigue and many challenges.

He said they will need the strength of will and confidence to take the right path which may not necessarily be easy.

He exhorted the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) to succeed in whatever endeavour they undertake.

We must win but mediocrity is unacceptable. The BDF has never been found wanting Khama added.