Duma Boko sworn in as Botswana’s sixth president

GABORONE, Botswana

Advocate Duma Boko has been sworn in as Botswana’s sixth President during his inauguration ceremony in Gaborone today.

Among those in attendance are former presidents Festus Mogae, Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Boko, leader of Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) defeated the governing party Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) Masisi in recent elections.

Taking his oath of office, he says, “I will maintain the Constitution of Botswana and uphold the laws, and that I will direct my abilities to the service and welfare of the people without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. So help me God.”

Speaking after taking oath, President Boko said that there has been a smooth transition of power in Botswana after his party the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) defeated the governing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

He says, “Our democracy remained unbroken, unproven and untested. On the 30th of October this year together we tested this democracy in a noble way. We tested the peace and stability of our daily lives. We tested the liberty and security of every person in this beautiful land invigilated by the world.”

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Economic Freedom Fighters ( EFF) leader Julius Malema are among those that attended the inauguration.

Malema says it is important for his party to support Boko.

He says, “We are here to celebrate democracy in action in Botswana and there is no other issue that is happening in South Africa which can distabilise the organisation from coming to observe this moment and respect the people of Botswana. We come a long way with the President of Botswana and we have gone through the trenches together and were not going to miss this opportunity.”