PRESS STATEMENT ON SURVIVAL INTERNATIONAL – LONDON III

CAMPAIGN AGAINST GOVERNMENT OF BOTSWANA

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights would like to re-state our position expressed in July and August 2001, concerning the continuing action by Survival International, an NGO based in the United Kingdom.

DITSHWANELO is committed to finding a local solution to the situation of the Basarwa of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). The strategy and methods which Survival International uses are not supported by DITSHWANELO. As a locally based NGO, we strive to work within the broad cultural context of Botswana. Past negotiations conducted by the CKGR Negotiating Team demonstrate the potential strengths of discussion and cooperation between the citizens and the Government of Botswana. The Negotiating Team comprises representatives of the residents of the CKGR, First People of the Kalahari (FPK), the Working Group for Indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa (WIMSA), Kuru Development Trust, the Botswana Council of Churches (BCC), and DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights.

Survival International has continued its campaign against the Government of Botswana through focus on Botswana diamonds and De Beers. Survival International believes that diamonds are the reason for the resettlement of the Basarwa to two settlements, New Xade and Kaudwane, which are outside the CKGR. DITSHWANELO is not convinced that diamonds are the reason for the relocation of the Basarwa.

Since the confrontational intervention of Survival International in 2001, the negotiation process between the CKGR Negotiating Team and the Government of Botswana has effectively stalled. This preceded the cessation of basic and essential services by the Government of Botswana to residents of the CKGR in January 2002. Consequently, the Negotiating Team was forced to take the matter to court for the resumption of basic and essential services to the residents of the CKGR. DITSHWANELO continues to urge the Government of Botswana to meet representatives of the Negotiating Team in order to reach a sustainable resolution to the current situation.

7 November 2002
Gaborone