Thousands gathered in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, on Friday to witness the inauguration of Duma Boko as the nation’s new president, marking the end of the former ruling party’s 58-year reign. Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), called for unity in his inaugural speech, after his coalition secured 36 parliamentary seats and ousted former president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Boko, arriving in an open-top vehicle flanked by soldiers on white horses, urged citizens to respect his predecessor, praising Masisi’s peaceful concession. “This is indeed a historic moment, most humbling and sobering,” Boko told attendees, reflecting on the importance of this unprecedented transition.
“It gives me great pleasure when I look at you and you look back at me and say that’s my boy. You say so because you raised the boy. You love the boy. You know and understand that this boy loves you,” he said.
His UDC coalition has pledged reforms to combat corruption, establish a minimum wage, and increase old-age benefits. Unemployment remains a significant issue, with official rates climbing to 27.6% in 2024. Amid economic challenges in the diamond sector, many Batswana see the peaceful transition as a momentous step toward a new era for the country.
- Tags: Botswana, Duma Boko, Politics, Presidency
