1. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) notes with concern the United States of America’s (USA) decision to place Botswana on a list of countries subject to a visa bond requirement for certain visitor visa categories. This development has understandably raised questions among Batswana at home and abroad. Questions that deserve clear, factual answers, not rumours and speculation.
2. To be clear, Botswana and the United States have enjoyed a long history of constructive engagement anchored in shared interests, mutual respect, and cooperation across a range of areas. That relationship has served our people well, and it is in the national interest that it remains strong. That is why this moment calls for leadership, transparency, and urgency. The public deserves to know:
• What exactly prompted the U.S. decision to apply the visa bond requirement to Botswana?
* What engagement the Government of Botswana has undertaken with U.S. counterparts since this decision emerged;
• What steps are being taken to protect ordinary Batswana from unnecessary hardship and confusion; and;
* What plan is in place to restore confidence and ensure that Botswana’s international standing which BDP left in place remains intact?
If this development is linked to policy shifts by the new government, administrative changes, or any emerging areas of concern, then the responsible course of action is simple which is to engage directly, communicate clearly, and act decisively.
3. The BDP therefore calls on the Minister of International Relations, Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, to provide a timely and comprehensive public briefing. Silence creates a vacuum, and that vacuum is too easily filled by guesswork. We believe that in matters of foreign relations, particularly this matter, uncertainty and doubt have no room.
4. If this development is linked to policy shifts by the new government, administrative changes, or any emerging areas of concern, then the responsible course of action is simple which is to engage directly, communicate clearly, and act decisively. Diplomatic relationships, in our experience, are built through consistent dialogue, not through delays and vacuums.
5. The current government needs to safeguard the interests of students, businesspeople, families, professionals, and travelers who should not be made to pay the price for a lack of clarity or urgency. Botswana is bigger than any political party. Our reputation matters. Our people matter and, in a democracy, government must be prepared to account openly to the citizens.
We urge the UDC government to do what responsible governments do, which is to tell the truth, show the work, and lead with the national interest taking first priority.
Released by;
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