New era for Botswana: Dumo Boko takes helm as ruling party falls after 58 years

By Anadolu Staff

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – Botswana’s new President, Dumo Gideon Boko, assumed office on Monday after outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi, 63, formally handed over power.

A video posted on the official X account of the President’s office showed Masisi welcoming Boko as he arrived to take over. The two leaders embraced and engaged in a brief conversation as they headed to the office.

Boko took his oath of office on Friday in front of Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane, just hours after being declared the winner of Wednesday’s election.

In his first public address, broadcast live on national television, the 54-year-old human rights lawyer thanked voters and outlined his plans for the mineral-rich nation.

Boko emphasized the importance of attracting investors, diversifying the economy—currently reliant on diamonds—and raising the minimum wage to 4,000 pula (approximately $300).

The Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by Boko, won 36 seats in parliament, followed by the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) with 15 seats. The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) and the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) secured five and four seats, respectively, according to Mmegi online, citing the electoral body.

Masisi conceded defeat on Friday after his party's poor electoral performance, marking the end of the BDP’s 58 years in power since Botswana's independence from Britain in 1966.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, commended Botswana for conducting peaceful, transparent, and credible general elections. He noted with satisfaction that Botswana has consistently been a leading democracy in Africa, showcasing effective democratic governance through regular elections since independence in September 1966.

Mahamat congratulated Boko on his victory and praised Masisi for his exemplary leadership, emphasizing the importance of a smooth transfer of power and conceding defeat prior to the release of official election results.