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Saturday, 13 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026
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Botswanan press · Organization

Botswana Defence Force

Also known as: BDF

Military organization that has launched modernization initiatives, addressed gender-based violence concerns, and honored service members at recent medal parades.

2026-05-042026-06-13
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026

  2. Daily News Botswana

    … He expressed gratitude for Botswana’s contribution through the Botswana Defence Force, saying their intervention helped create conditions for free and fair elections. …

    Mogae Role in Peace Preservation in Lesotho Crucial

  3. Mmegi

    … Members of the Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Service, and tribal leaders coordinated meticulously to ensure that every detail, from security to ceremonial arrangements, was in order. …

    Serowe honours Mogae

  4. Daily News Botswana

    More than 500 deserving current and former members of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers were on Thursday honoured during the 49th Medal Awards Parade at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks in Mogoditshane. …

    BDF honours over 500 soldiers
Politics

Retired soldiers threaten major protests over delayed pensions

The News

The Botswana Defence Force Retired Members Association has authorized a peaceful protest over delayed Transfer Value Enhancement payments and unmet government promises. About 3,500 retired soldiers have received benefits since 2024, but an estimated 2,500 beneficiaries are still waiting.

Why it matters

Retired soldiers' authorised protest over delayed pensions for 2,500 beneficiaries raises pressure on government to honour promises to defence force veterans.

9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Retired soldiers threaten major protests over delayed pensions

    The Botswana Defence Force Retired Members Association has authorized a peaceful protest over delayed Transfer Value Enhancement payments and unmet government promises. About 3,500 retired soldiers have received benefits since 2024, but an estimated 2,500 beneficiaries are still waiting.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Former Police Commissioner Simon Hirschfeld laid to rest

    Simon Hirschfeld, Botswana's first Motswana Police Commissioner who served 39 years in law enforcement and spent 24 years leading the Botswana Police Service, was buried at Phomolong Memorial Park in Gaborone with a traditional police funeral ceremony.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 8 June

  1. Pilane seeks state protection after BDF transfer

    Pilane, transferred from the corruption unit to the Botswana Defence Force, has issued notice of intention to sue the government and several public officials, claiming authorities failed to investigate threats against him and alleged leakage of confidential information that he says exposed him to danger.

    8 June 2026 · Mmegi →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Ex-DCEC chief sues government over demotion and death threats

    Tshepo Pilane, former Acting Director General of the DCEC, has filed a notice of intention to sue the government, alleging unlawful demotion and failure to investigate death threats. He claims a conspiracy by senior officials during his tenure investigating senior figures, including the former Permanent Secretary to the President and the Director General of the DIS.

    2 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. BDF Launches Five-Year Modernisation and Strategic Guidance Plan

    Botswana Defence Force Commander General Mpho Mophuting unveiled a strategic roadmap for 2025-2029 aimed at transforming the military into a modern, agile force capable of responding to evolving security threats through modernisation, innovation and continuous learning.

    2 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 1 June

  1. Boko warns BDF against gender-based violence and femicide

    President Duma Boko has issued a stern warning to members of the Botswana Defence Force against gender-based violence and femicide, cautioning that acts of violence stain the army's image and undermine it.

    1 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Mephato help fight FMD at village level

    Mephato (community patrols) at the village level are taking a frontline role in fighting foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) alongside the Department of Veterinary Services, marshalling farmers to participate in vaccination activities. Mophato wa Mabeleakgomo from Mokatako and Molete villages, formed in 2023 by villagers led by Kgosi Omphitlhetse Manyeneng, have committed to protecting their territory.

    1 June 2026 · Mmegi →

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 25 May

  1. Boko urges BDF to adopt zero tolerance on gender-based violence

    President Duma Boko has called for zero tolerance on gender-based violence within the Botswana Defence Force, urging service members to exercise restraint, discipline and emotional maturity when handling personal conflicts. Speaking at the 21st BDF Strategic Conference, he stressed that emotional and social challenges must never escalate to violence, particularly against women and children, and reminded officers that their specialised training must never be turned against civilians.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Boko calls for modern, disciplined Defence Force

    President Advocate Duma Boko has called for a modernised, disciplined and ethically grounded Botswana Defence Force capable of responding to evolving security threats including technology, cyber threats, organised crime and non-state actors. He said a comprehensive national security strategy is being developed to strengthen coordination and resilience.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. President calls for innovation against emerging security threats

    At the 21st BDF Strategic Conference in Gaborone, President Boko urged the Botswana Defence Force leadership to embrace innovation, strategic foresight, and institutional adaptability to address complex security threats including cyber threats, technological disruption, and transnational organised crime amid fiscal constraints.

    25 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Saturday 16 May

  1. Mogae's role in Lesotho peace preservation praised

    Former Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili has credited the late former President Festus Mogae with playing a crucial role in preserving peace and stability in Lesotho during political unrest following the country's 1998 elections, working through SADC and supporting the Botswana Defence Force's intervention.

    16 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Friday 15 May

  1. Serowe prepares for former President Mogae funeral ceremonies

    Serowe residents cleaned and repaired the village ahead of body viewing ceremonies for the late former president at the main Kgotla, with security and ceremonial arrangements coordinated by the Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Service, and tribal leaders. Kgosi Bakae Khumo said the community is working with the family to give Mogae the respect and dignity he deserves.

    15 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Monday 4 May

  1. BDF honours over 500 soldiers at annual medal parade

    More than 500 current and former Botswana Defence Force members were honoured on Thursday during the 49th Medal Awards Parade for outstanding service and conduct. A total of 528 personnel received medals across five categories: 134 with the Duty Code Order, 297 with the Pearl Jubilee Medal, 84 with the Distinguished Service Medal, and 13 with the Foreign Service Medal.

    4 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Botswana Defence Force — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute