Botswana celebrates 50 years of Independence

Botswana celebrates 50 years of independence with cultural activities in Nairobi, Kenya – a partnership that has continued since 1967. The Botswana High Commissioner in Nairobi, John Moreti, hosted the activities under the Know Your World Initiative – a program that educates students on international affairs and a forum to learn about Botswana.

The Republic of Botswana gained independence from the British on 30 September 1966. It is a landlocked country in south Africa, noted for its tourism – especially the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta – home to a range of wildlife. The Okavango Delta is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa (declared in 2013), and an official UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed in 2014).

The United Kingdom accepted proposals for a democratic self-government in 1964 and by 1965 a Constitution was established, which led to the first general elections and ultimately to independence in 1966. Seretse Khama became the first president of Botswana. In 2008 his son Ian Khama became president, who remains the current president.

http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2016/10/02/botswana-marks-50-years-of-independence-in-colourful-ceremony-in_c1430557

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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