Nigeria also commended the outgoing President, Masisi for accepting defeat and charting a way forward for the country
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria and the United States of America have congratulated the President-elect of Botswana, Duma Boko, following his historic win.
The West African nation conveyed its congratulatory message on Friday through a letter from the spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe.
This comes as Boko’s opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, UDC, unseats the incumbent President, Mokgweetsi Masisi of the Botswana Democratic Party, which has ruled the country for over three decades.
Reacting to the victory of Boko, Nigeria said it shares the hope and aspirations of the people of Botswana.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to congratulate the President-elect of the Republic of Botswana, Lawyer Duma Boko, following the victory of his party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDP), at the just concluded general elections in Gaborone.
“Nigeria wishes to also commend the fortitude of the outgoing President,
“His Excellency Mokgweetsi Masisi, in embracing the result and charting a way forward for the country.
“As Botswana remains an important ally and partner, Nigeria shares the hopes and aspirations of the brotherly government and people of Botswana, as they delve into the next chapter of their nationhood.”
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Similarly, a press statement signed by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken commended the outgoing president, Mokgweetsi Masisi for his sportsmanship.
It read, “The United States congratulates the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and President-elect Duma Boko on their historic victory in Botswana’s 2024 elections.
“Botswana’s free elections reflect the voice of the people of Botswana in shaping their future. The United States reaffirms our support for Botswana’s long-standing commitment to democracy and our shared partnership rooted in common values.
“We also commend President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi for his leadership and appreciate his commitment to democratic principles, as demonstrated by his pledge to support the next government and his commitment to a peaceful transfer of power.
“We are proud of our strong partnership with Botswana, its people, and its leaders on advancing trade and investment opportunities, winning the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and cooperating on climate resilience and wildlife conservation.”
Masisi had earlier conceded defeat after Boko was declared the winner of the presidential election.
