Botswanas Foreign Policy

Written by JFG TUESDAY, 14 JULY 2009 09:11 Implications of the countrys position on Al Bashir Botswana has distanced itself from the African Union's (AU) decision not to help arrest Sudan's President Omar Hassan Al Bashir who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) .The Vice President Mompati Merafhe, who represented the President at the summit in Libya, contends that Africa should not try to undermine the work of the ICC simply because one head of state called Bashir has been indicted by the court. The object of this article is to discuss the foreign policy implications of this ostensibly bold and principled position by Botswana. It is argued that the domestic environment forms the background context against which foreign policy is made.Thus foreign policy decisions are premised on factors such as the resource base of the state, its geographical position in relation to others, the nature and level of development of its economy, its demographic profile, its ideology and or political beliefs and fundamental national values. The international environment (the new world order and globalisation) also influence foreign policy. One could audaciously argue that Botswanas position is premised on principle if the country was adhering to international law, treaties and conventions to the letter.The country is in the habit of picking and choosing. Sometimes it only signs and not ratify and if it ratifies in some cases it does not domesticate into legislation. Sometimes it takes long tough battle between the state and interest groups for ratification be done by the state.The countrys human rights record is not very impressive and its democracy is regressing. It is difficult to presuppose that the position on Bashir is based on principle. A probable conclusion therefore is that Botswanas position is inspired by the quest for international political expediency. Internationally, Botswana is exhibiting an attitude of superior virtue. It is without doubt that Botswana will be applauded by the West for its firm position on Bashirs indictment. But the position may attract greater scrutiny on Botswana particularly on its democratic credentials, human rights record, and adherence to international law, treaties and conventions.Questions may be asked if Botswana is indeed holier-than-thou as it internationally proclaims. Moreover, Botswanas position on Bashirs warrant of arrest suggests flaws in the countrys foreign policy. Botswanas foreign policy is determined and decided by the President.The country does not have a codified foreign policy informed by national values, strategic national interests and national security strategy. This has resulted in discrepancy, double standards and knee-jerk foreign policy decisions.While

this position is unlikely to drastically affect Botswanas relations with the rest of Africa, it will undoubtedly not go down well with pan-Africanist and African Renaissance leaders or ideologues in the continent.This position may change the way Botswana is perceived in Africa. It may be viewed with mistrust and this may affect its future role in African affairs and organisations such as the AU or its organs.Botswana maybe labelled a darling of the West, or worse a puppet, particularly because the ICC is perceived by some in Africa as a Western agenda to single out anti-West African leaders (It is often argued that the ICC has turned a blind eye on those African leaders who violated human rights but are in Western governments good books).On July 1, 2003 the Bush administration issued a stiff ultimatum that it would be immediately cutting off all military aid to certain countries unless their leaders signed bilateral agreements guaranteeing the total immunity of all Americans (military and civilian) before the International Criminal Court (ICC).Botswana is among countries which signed this agreement; it would seem in response to the administration's July 1 ultimatum. The fact that Botswana is ready to assist ICC with arresting a fellow African but not ready to do the same to American citizens may perhaps attract criticism against Botswana, mainly from Africa. BY DITHAPELO KEORAPETSE

Botswana formulating foreign policy document

by Mpho Tlale 19-03-2012 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is in the process of drafting a foreign policy document, which is expected to guide the conduct of Botswanas foreign relations. This was said by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phandu Skelemani, at the official opening of the ministerial Foreign Policy Pitso. Skelemani said that a successful foreign policy or any other policy should be rooted on the principles of openess, transparency and inclusiveness which would consequently lead to ownership by Batswana. Skelemani said that the management of international relations is a complicated process that requires careful decision making, adding that, as such, the fluid and unpredictable nature of the international system makes the formulation and implementation of a foreign policy a highly daunting exercise. Skelemani noted that this is because a foreign policy always has to effectively respond to the ever changing events in the national arena. He said that although Botswanas domestic interests are important to the formulation of a foreign policy strategy ,the globalization process has a role to play as well because it dictates that Botswana should simultaneously accommodate the interests of others, including the development partners, multinational corporations and multilateral institutions.

Skelemani added that there are still at the initial stages where there are many questions and challenges that they are dealing with in the process to develop the foreign policy guide. The Pitso event was going under the theme: Botswanas Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Priorities, Challenges and opportunities. Skelemani said that the Pitso forum offers a unique opportunity for the Ministry to collectively and frankly engage in a very important exercise of shaping Botswana foreign policy, which as we all know is aimed at advancing Botswanas national interest abroad, in this fast globalizing and inter dependent world. He added that in line with the countrys national principle of consultation, the ministry has seen it appropriate to convene the consultative meeting in order to gather the views of those involved because they are well placed to strategically position Botswana to obtain maximum benefits from Botswanas engagement with the international community. Skelemani pointed out that the countrys foreign policy is primarily determined by its domestic interest and as such Botswanas foreign policy has been historically guided by, among others, democracy, self reliance, unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations. He said that these historical points are still valid as the country continues to use them to contend with a broader agenda. As a result of the deepening level of globalization and transnational activities, Botswana as a member of the community of nations has to rethink its foreign policy posture and adjust as necessary, he said. Skelemani said that the Pitso consultative gathering was, therefore, meant to gather input from various stakeholders which will assist the ministry in determining and validating the fundamental principles that should be the foundation of Botswana foreign policy posture, adding that the main objective is to ensure that foreign policy remains true to its intention of promoting and nurturing the interest and aspirations of the people of Botswana. He noted that the successful implementation of Botswanas foreign policy will no doubt depend on closer and effective collaboration with stakeholders to ensure coordinated effort which means there is an absolute need for the ministry to improve its coordination and facilitation role to ensure that Botswana speaks to the international community in a coherent and consistent manner. He added that Botswanas geo political location dictates that the country should maintain and nurture the principle of peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness. One of Botswana priorities, he said, should aim to enhance the relations and deepen cooperation with the neighboring countries, adding that Botswana should be equally vigilant and ensure that it uses its membership in regional and international organizations to solicit assistance and collaborative partnerships to curb the multifaceted global challenges we face as a developing country.

Comments (0)