Africa-Press – Botswana. At the High-Level Africa Civil Society Conference on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), President Advocate Duma Boko delivered a powerful address that challenged both leaders and citizens to confront corruption as a moral, institutional, and societal problem.
Speaking to an audience of policymakers, civil society representatives, and international partners, President Boko emphasized that the fight against money laundering is not a battle against outsiders. He said the perpetrators are often members of the same society they exploit, using public resources for private gain. He called for personal accountability, quoting a poet who said, “It takes more courage to probe your own soul than it does for a soldier to fight at the periphery.”
The President praised recent judicial reforms, including the creation of specialized criminal courts that handle corruption and financial crime cases more swiftly and fairly. He noted that Botswana’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation is strong by regional standards, but warned that “laws alone are not enough.” True progress, he said, depends on capable institutions and leaders guided by ethics rather than self-interest.
Boko acknowledged Botswana’s achievements in governance but cautioned that maintaining integrity is harder than achieving it. “Getting there is the easier part,” he said. “Staying there is the most difficult.” He urged continuous vigilance, transparency, and a long-term commitment to accountability.
He raised concerns about elite capture and political corruption that distort democracy and justice. “When predatory interests rule, they can determine what justice looks like and who receives it,” he warned. He called for practical approaches to asset recovery and stronger measures to protect national interests from exploitation.
Reaffirming his belief in civil society as the conscience of the nation, President Boko urged closer collaboration with the labour movement. He said their participation strengthens accountability and promotes shared responsibility for good governance.
The President reminded delegates that the struggle against financial crime extends beyond laws and institutions. “This fight,” he said, “is about who we are as a people.” His words left the hall in silence, underscoring his message that the true battle against corruption begins within every individual’s moral conscience.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
