PRESS RELEASE ON THE CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE (CKGR), NOVEMBER 2005

INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY ON THE BASARWA

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, is concerned about some of the media coverage relating to the Basarwa in Botswana , which does not appear to be contributing towards a constructive solution to the current impasse. The extensive amount of time required to defend against often personal attacks from an international non-governmental organisation is regrettable. It diverts time which could otherwise be spent addressing and assisting with the human rights issues of the Basarwa.

DITSHWANELO has since its establishment in 1993, been involved actively and regularly at local, regional and international levels, in representing the interests of the Basarwa. We have made constructive interventions on Basarwa issues before the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Whilst addressing a CIVICUS meeting in Gaborone in early 2004, we suggested that perhaps the time had come for mediation in order to enable the continuation of the negotiation process. Through our offices in Gaborone and Kasane, we have assisted and continue to assist the Basarwa, including with issues relating to their land rights, e.g. at Saikarawe in the North Western part of Botswana . In 1999, we were instrumental in obtaining a stay of execution for two Basarwa men from Manxotae in the Central District, who were sentenced to death and who were subsequently acquitted in March 2005. We are currently facilitating the legal action of three Basarwa men who claim to have been tortured by Department of Wildlife officials. We enabled Amogelang Segootsane and his family to obtain their original water permit from the authorities in 2002. This also entailed raising funds for the transportation of water into the CKGR. We continue to assist him and his family.

As a human rights organisation, our key roles are to both protect and promote human rights. Whilst protection is often effected through the Court system, we consider the long-term promotion of human rights, including the application of judicious and diplomatic pressure on those in authority, to be of equal importance.

As those who know and work in Botswana will appreciate, the cultural preference for negotiation and diplomacy is in keeping with the social norms of this country. Respect should be accorded to those who have worked in Botswana ; practically and on the ground for a number of years on this issue. Whilst international boycotts and the humiliation of governments may be effective in certain arenas, we would caution against any assumption that aggressive international pressure will inevitably achieve positive results. In fact, the main outcome of such pressure in Botswana , other than to hinder the possibility of effective negotiations, has been to rally the support of the people to its Government which is now perceived to be under attack.

From 1997 to 2001, a group of interested parties, including communities residing in the CKGR, the First Peoples of the Kalahari (FPK), the Working Group on Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa (WIMSA), the KURU Development Trust, the Botswana Council of Churches and DITSHWANELO engaged in negotiations with the Government and worked together with the Department for Wildlife and National Parks to develop a ‘Management Plan’ for the CKGR and Khutse Game Reserves. This plan sought to find a sustainable use of natural resources and wildlife inside the CKGR by the Basarwa communities. During these negotiations, which were facilitated by the FPK attorney who was the head of the legal team, constructive meetings were held with former President Masire, Ministers Nasha, Mokgothu, Kwelagobe and the current Vice President, Ian Khama. There was every indication that this delicate process of negotiation could lead to a peaceful outcome. This would have enabled the Basarwa to participate effectively in processes for the sustainability and ownership of their own development. Unfortunately, adverse international attention detracted from this process and contributed, regrettably, to a hardening of attitude of Government towards this issue. The intention to ensure sustainable development for the Basarwa communities continues to exist. DITSHWANELO once again calls for a return to constructive dialogue in place of costly and polarising litigation. In addition, we believe that the Government should regularly engage with its citizens on issues of national concern.

The issue of diamond mining in the CKGR has long been presented by Survival International as a reason for the relocation by the Government of the Basarwa. It is a convenient tool for those who wish to find a simple, easily identifiable motive with which to attract international support. Whilst the intention behind such a campaign may be to ensure that the Basarwa are allowed to return to the CKGR, in reality the lack of accurate information on this issue continues to seriously jeopardize the possibility of achieving that aim. NGOs have a duty to be accurate and professional in the way in which they present information in pursuit of their cause. There is no conclusive evidence that the removal of the Basarwa is definitely to make way for diamond mining. To focus on this issue and to attack tourism, which is essential to the economy of Botswana, is not only to alienate those who have the power to help achieve the aims of the Basarwa, but it also draws attention away from the fundamental issue; namely development. The merits of relocating the Basarwa in the name of development must be explored critically and thoroughly. In accordance with a rights-based approach to development, DITSHWANELO has maintained and continues to maintain in the spirit of botho, that all people should be allowed to benefit from economic, social and political development, but not at the expense of their cultural identity.

It is our hope that all parties interested in the promotion and protection of the rights of the Basarwa now refocus their resources and attention in an effort to contribute constructively towards the attainment of our common goals.

25 November 2005

Gaborone