Botswana Minute.
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 23 August 2026
Gaborone—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Botswanan press · Person

Boko

President of Botswana, leading the UDC administration since 2024 and addressing inherited economic challenges and governance reforms.

2026-04-222026-08-23

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. August 2026
  2. Mmegi

    He stated that it is high time Batswana come to terms with the fact that the UDC government will not improve their lives rather they would regress. “As trade unions, we realise that it is now time for Batswana to believe that Boko’s administration is failing us and we as trade un

    Unions turn up the heat on UDC
  3. Mmegi

    Additionally, he said while their absence may be noticeable, the UDC leadership understands that both Boko and Gaolathe have significant responsibilities in government that require their attention.

    UDC leadership ‘absenteeism’ raise concerns
  4. July 2026
  5. Mmegi

    Addressing delegates at the Botswana National Front (BNF)'s 60th national conference in Jwaneng over the holidays, Boko painted a bleak picture of the state his administration inherited, describing it as "a broken country, a collapsing economy and a nation bereft of hope.""We too

    We inherited a broken Botswana – Boko
  6. The Botswana Gazette

    Former Speaker Phandu Skelemani has urged President Boko, his Cabinet and legislators to back Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse’s push for an independent Parliament to strengthen Botswana’s democracy SESUPO RANTSIMAKO Former Speaker of the National Assembly Phandu Skelemani has thrown

    Skelemani Urges Executive to Back Speaker’s Agenda
  7. May 2026
  8. Mmegi

    Officially opening the 21st BDF Strategic Conference yesterday, Boko said members of the disciplined forces are trained to protect lives, not take them in non-combat situations.

    Soldiers must never use military training at home – Boko
  9. Mmegi

    Boko appointed Alvarez & Marsal Middle East Limited (“A&M”) to provide forensic audit services for the country.

    Audit flags Boko’s preferred direct tendering
  10. Mmegi

    In an emotional address to the nation this morning, Boko confirmed the passing of Mogae who served as the president of Botswana from 1998 until 2008.

    Mogae, a true statesman - Boko
  11. Mmegi

    Speaking during the Labour Day commemoration organised by the Botswana Federation of Public, Private and Parastatal Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) in Letlhakane on Friday, Boko made it clear that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) administration will press ahead with the reform,

    We aren't backtracking on ConCourt – Boko
  12. April 2026
  13. Mmegi

    Speaking during the party’s gala dinner on Saturday, Boko delivered a stern message, making it clear that his leadership will not tolerate any form of corruption.

    We won't tolerate any form of corruption - Boko
  14. Mmegi

    Speaking at the party’s 60th-anniversary gala dinner at Royal Aria in Tlokweng, Boko made it clear that his leadership stands against any form of bribery or exploitation.

    Boko denies 'pay-to-access' claims
Politics

Unions call on UDC to step down after failed salary negotiations

The News

Labour movements have concluded that the UDC government has failed to address pressing issues from its 2024 election campaign and should make way for another administration. The standoff stems from nearly two years of stalled salary negotiations between unions and the government, with the dispute escalated to the courts.

17 August 2026 · Mmegi

Monday 17 August

  1. Unions call on UDC to step down after failed salary negotiations

    Labour movements have concluded that the UDC government has failed to address pressing issues from its 2024 election campaign and should make way for another administration. The standoff stems from nearly two years of stalled salary negotiations between unions and the government, with the dispute escalated to the courts.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  2. UDC leadership absences attributed to government responsibilities

    UDC spokesperson Molutsi said the party president and deputy president's demanding government responsibilities make it difficult for them to attend NEC meetings, though he maintained the NEC continues to meet with representatives from coalition parties and communicates with the two leaders through briefings and resolutions.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

Monday 27 July

  1. President Boko describes Botswana as broken country needing healing

    At the BNF's 60th national conference, President Boko characterized his inherited administration as "a broken country, a collapsing economy and a nation bereft of hope," attributing challenges to more than a decade of declining diamond revenues and shrinking export earnings while framing current hardships as part of a necessary rebuilding process.

    27 July 2026 · Mmegi

Monday 20 July

  1. Former Speaker backs current Speaker's independence campaign

    Former Speaker Phandu Skelemani has urged President Boko, his Cabinet and legislators to support Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse's push for an independent Parliament to strengthen Botswana's democracy.

    20 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

Tuesday 26 May

  1. Soldiers must not use military training on civilians, Boko says

    At the 21st BDF Strategic Conference, Boko said members of the disciplined forces are trained to protect lives, not take them in non-combat situations, and stressed that lethal force skills should never be used against civilians or intimate partners.

    26 May 2026 · Mmegi

Monday 11 May

  1. Audit reveals Boko's pattern of non-competitive direct tendering

    A forensic audit commissioned by Boko found repeated use of non-competitive procurement, weakly justified direct awards, emergency procurement, and tender manipulation across multiple entities, with overuse of direct appointments and reliance on emergency procurement without clear basis, departing from open and competitive tendering.

    11 May 2026 · Mmegi

Friday 8 May

  1. Former president Festus Mogae has died, Boko announces

    President Boko announced the death of former president Festus Mogae, who served from 1998 to 2008. Boko described Mogae as a statesman whose leadership brought Botswana international respect for principled governance, sound economic management, and commitment to democracy.

    8 May 2026 · Mmegi

Wednesday 6 May

  1. UDC administration will proceed with Constitutional Court reform

    Speaking at a Labour Day event in Letlhakane, Boko stated that the UDC administration will not back away from its Constitutional Court reform proposal, describing it as a "principled position" grounded in expert legal opinion and thoroughly examined by lawyers, advocates, scholars, and experts.

    6 May 2026 · Mmegi

Monday 27 April

  1. Boko vows zero tolerance for corruption within party

    Speaking at a party gala dinner on Saturday, Boko delivered a stern message that his leadership will not tolerate any form of corruption and stressed that the fight against corruption must begin within the party itself. He stated that a forensic audit report expected by the end of the month will play a critical role in exposing malpractice within government structures.

    27 April 2026 · Mmegi

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Boko denies pay-to-access claims at party anniversary

    Speaking at the party's 60th-anniversary gala dinner, Boko stated his leadership stands against bribery or exploitation and urged anyone demanding payment for access to report it to the Botswana Police. This followed public complaints that people close to the President are requiring business people to pay for access to him.

    22 April 2026 · Mmegi

  2. BNF celebrates 60 years with reflection on sacrifice

    The Botswana National Front marked its 60th anniversary, with party president Boko addressing members and supporters about the party's journey shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and commitment. He acknowledged members and families who sacrificed opportunities and resources for the party over nearly six decades.

    22 April 2026 · Mmegi

Boko — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute