BDP must end ‘genocide’ on Basarwa

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) would like to call upon the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) government to reconcile with Basarwa of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).

The decision by the government to withdraw provision of services in the CKGR is morally wrong and is informed by lack of appreciation of the interests of the inhabitants of the area. It seeks to promote certain interests at the expense of Basarwa.

We therefore fully support the legal fight by Basarwa to have services restored. If we had a caring government, this case will not be before the Courts. Why is it that this group, being the most economically impoverished in the country has been to the courts to seek redress more than any other? It appears their sin is to be inhabitants of an area that has huge tourism potential and rich in minerals.  It does not add up for the government to withdraw the services which included provision of water through a borehole. The argument that the area has been reserved for wildlife and that Basarwa have to move out of the CKGR does not add up. The mining and tourism activities that are now taking over are a bigger threat to the tranquility of the area than Basarwa.   

The egocentric BDP government after losing the case over the relocation of Basarwa from the CKGR about 10 years ago, has been engaged in underhand tactics to push Basarwa out of CKGR. These maneuvers are influenced by big International monopoly capital interests which are using the state to further their interests. These interests being in the form of mining and tourism.

We should never underestimate the role of the state as a necessary apparatus for coercion, suppression and exploitation. Its coercive arm is the “special bodies of armed men” who stand ready to pounce when all others fail. Basarwa have complained over a long period of time about harassment suffered at the hands of security agents. They are being hunted down like animals.

All these cocktail of harassment and persecution is motivated by the intention to push them into submission and move out of the CKGR. The state is engaged in a concerted effort to “manufacture consent”. The UDC assures Basarwa of the CKGR of its unwavering support and call upon the nation to help, in whichever way possible, these members of our society who are treated like outcasts.