Nigeria has joined other countries such as the United States, European Union to hailed the victory of the Umbrella for Democratic Change UDP candidate, Duma Boko at the just concluded general elections in Botswana.
In a statement released by the Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs on Friday, applauding the outgoing Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, for embracing the result and charting a way forward for the country.
The statement reads: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to congratulate President- elect of the Republic of Botswana, Lawyer Duma Boko, following the victory of his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDP), at the just concluded general elections in Gabarone.
“Nigeria wishes to also commend the fortitude of the outgoing President, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, in embracing the result and charting a way forward for the country.
“As Botswana remains an important ally and partner, Nigeria shares the hopes and aspirations of the brotherly government and people of Botswana, as they delve into the next chapter of their nationhood.”
The United States also congratulated the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and President-elect Duma Boko on their historic victory in Botswana’s 2024 elections.Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said Botswana’s free elections reflect the voice of the people of Botswana in shaping their future.
He assured the United States reaffirmation of support for Botswana’s long-standing commitment to democracy and their shared partnership rooted in common values.
The US commended President Dr. Mokgsweetsi Masisi for his leadership and appreciate his commitment to democratic principles, as demonstrated by his pledge to support the next govt and his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.
United States is proud of the strong partnership with Botswana, its people, and its leaders on advancing trade, investment opportunities, winning the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and cooperating on climate resilience and wildlife conservation.Also, the European Union in a statement on Friday congratulated the President Duma Gideon Boko on his election, and the people of Botswana on the peaceful exercise of their civic rights.
The EU welcomed exemplary transition of power, after outgoing President Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi conceded defeat and appealed to his followers to rally behind the new Govt.
“His Botswana Democratic Party had been in power since the country’s independence in 1966. As like-minded partners at multilateral level, we have a strong partnership since decades. We are driven by shared values of democracy and respect for the rule of law.
“We are economically linked and cooperate on issues, such as economic diversification and job creation, green transformation and digitalisation.
“The EU and Botswana relations are strong, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Botswana once the new Government is in place”, the statement concluded.
