Africa-Press – Botswana. Minister of Foreign Affairs says livestock rustling across shared borders between Botswana and Zimbabwe is a major problem which requires expedite action.
Dr Lemogang Kwape said this when officially opening the ministers’ meeting at the 4th Botswana-Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Maun on Thursday.
“There is one major issue that continues to trouble our two countries of livestock rustling across our common borders. This problem, which started as common stock theft has since escalated into serious, well-organised cross-border crime.
It continues to rob many farmers of their livestock and relegate them to a life of poverty and destitution,” Minister Kwape said.
Therefore, he highlighted the need to expedite action to resolve the problem, which he said had far-reaching implications, not only on the livelihoods of the affected communities, but also on the socio-economic development of the two countries.
“In that regard, there is an urgent need to conclude and sign the Framework Agreement on Livestock Rustling by the two governments,” he said.
He said he was pleased that following the third BNC, a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) was established to coordinate and implement the recommendations as well as the decisions of the Botswana/Zimbabwe BNC. He said the JTC had since overseen the process of a relief programme for the affected farmers.
He said on the Botswana side, the effort was led by the Ministry of Defence and Security.
“In April 2023, the JTC developed guidelines for restocking, as well as the verification and assessment form, which were both adopted by the Joint Ministerial Committee as the tools used in the identification of eligible beneficiaries. Given the excellent bilateral relations between our two countries. I am confident that our joint efforts can effectively eradicate this problem, including its root causes. I have no doubt that our Senior Officials have come up with some recommendations for our consideration, in order to effectively address this problem,” he said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, Ambassador Fredrick Shava agreed that swift action was required to address the issue.
Mr Shava said during the third session of the BNC, Botswana brought to the attention of the meeting, the endemic problem of livestock rustling, particularly along common border.
He added that the two countries initiated a joint framework for cooperation to facilitate and harmonise efforts in the fight against the problem.
“I note with satisfaction that the joint efforts by the two police organizations and interstate liaison operations have drastically reduced livestock rustling crime along the border,” he said.
He however said even though the sources of the two countries may be scarce and stretched to the limits, both countries had made sacrifices for the sake of ending such crime.
DAILYNEWS
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
