Duma Boko Takes Oath Of Office As Botswana New President

Botswana inaugurated its new President, Duma Boko, on Friday, solidifying a rapid transition in governance following his overwhelming victory in the election, which led to the ouster of the ruling party that had held power for nearly six decades.

Naija News reports that the 54-year-old took the oath of office amidst a crowd of several thousand individuals at the national stadium in the capital.

The event was graced by the presence of the presidents of several other southern African nations, namely Madagascar, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

“I stand before you today the living embodiment of your deep and true resolve,” the human rights lawyer turned politician told the crowd.

“Together, we usher in a new political dawn.

“This is your story. Embrace it, be a part of it. Be it, acknowledge the role that you played, and continue to play in its unfolding.”

The left-leaning Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) emerged victorious in the October 30 parliamentary elections, securing 36 seats in parliament, a significant increase from the four seats won by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

This marked a remarkable turnaround for the party, which has held power in Botswana, a nation rich in diamonds, since its declaration of independence from Britain in 1966.

Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who had immediately conceded defeat a week before the realization of the election’s outcome, was present at the event.

Boko, adorned in attire reflective of the Botswana flag — a blue shirt and black tie — commenced the ceremony by circumnavigating the stadium in a vehicle, accompanied by galloping white horses, and extending greetings to the enthusiastic spectators.