Botswana President Duma Boko has sparked a diplomatic storm after comments made at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, about South Africa. Experts say the criticism overshadowed his opportunity to attract investment to Botswana.
The backlash began when Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, expressed his discontent on social media, claiming Boko had attacked South Africa’s safety. Maile tweeted that the Botswana president needed “diplomatic training” in response to the remarks.
Boko’s comments, which reportedly targeted South Africa’s safety, came as the WEF brought together global leaders, including South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa. While Ramaphosa did not directly hear Boko’s statements, his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, responded, saying that if the remarks were true, it would be unfortunate. Magwenya added that any issues between South Africa and Botswana should be resolved through diplomatic channels, specifically through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
Political economist Dr. Sam Koma criticized Maile’s public response, pointing out that it violated diplomatic norms. Koma stressed that public engagement with foreign heads of state is not appropriate, especially for a government official like Maile. He also noted that the WEF was a key moment for Southern African leaders to promote investment, and Boko’s comments detracted from that goal.
Other analysts, such as Melanie Verwoerd, described the exchange as a “storm in a teacup.” Verwoerd cautioned that while countries compete for investment at forums like the WEF, attacking neighboring nations is strategically unwise. She added that the matter should have been handled through formal diplomatic channels rather than social media.
