Thousands of people gathered in Gaborone, Botswana, on Friday for the inauguration of the country’s new president, Duma Boko, marking the end of the former ruling party’s 58-year reign. Boko, leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, which secured 36 parliamentary seats and denied former president Mokgweetsi Masisi a second term, took the oath of office in front of a large crowd.
Arriving in an open-top vehicle with flag-bearing soldiers on white horses, Boko delivered his first official address as president, calling for unity and reconciliation after a contentious election. He praised his predecessor, Masisi, for conceding power peacefully, despite the jeers he faced during the campaign.
“This is a historic moment, humbling and sobering,” Boko said, emphasizing the importance of moving past division and focusing on the country’s future. He expressed deep gratitude to the citizens who elected him and promised to serve with love and dedication.
Boko’s speech, filled with optimism, was light on specific plans but referenced his party’s campaign promises, including tackling corruption, implementing a minimum wage of 4,000 Pula ($302) per month, and expanding social benefits such as unemployment allowances and old age pensions.
Unemployment remains the most pressing concern for Batswana, with rates rising to 27.6% in 2024, up from 25.9% in 2023. The country’s reliance on diamond exports, which account for 80% of revenue, has been strained by the global downturn in demand. Calls for increased local ownership and a larger share of the mining profits have gained traction.
Among the dignitaries attending the inauguration were former president Ian Khama, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema.
Boko’s victory and the peaceful transfer of power have been hailed as a historic moment for Botswana, a country once believed unlikely to see a peaceful handover to an opposition party.