In a landmark moment for Botswana, Duma Boko was sworn in as the country’s new president on Friday, marking the first change in leadership after nearly 60 years of continuous rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). Boko, 54, took the oath before a jubilant crowd at the national stadium in Gaborone, with presidents from Madagascar, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe among the dignitaries attending the historic ceremony.
“Together, we usher in a new political dawn,” Boko, a former human rights lawyer, declared to thousands of cheering supporters. “This is your story. Embrace it, be a part of it… acknowledge the role that you played and continue to play in its unfolding.”
Boko’s left-leaning Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) won a decisive victory in the October 30 election, securing 36 seats in parliament, compared to only four for the BDP. The sweeping win delivered a stunning upset to the BDP, which has governed diamond-rich Botswana since its independence from Britain in 1966. Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi, who conceded defeat shortly after the results became clear, was also present in the audience, showing a peaceful transition of power.
Dressed in the national colors, blue and black, Boko began the inauguration by circling the stadium in a vehicle flanked by white horses, waving to the crowd. Batswana of all ages had gathered to witness the event, which Boko declared a public holiday to allow citizens to celebrate together.
“For me, the attendance of Batswana from all walks of life demonstrates how united we are and committed to nation-building,” said Wabuya Keobonye, an 88-year-old taxi driver in the stadium.
The election saw a high turnout of 80 percent, with young people making up about 34 percent of the voter base, highlighting the crucial role of youth in the UDC’s victory. Ipotseng Negroes, a 35-year-old farmer attending the inauguration, voiced the energy of Botswana’s younger generation. “Young people, we are the leaders of today, not tomorrow, and we demonstrated that through our participation in the vote,” Negroes said. “The power of Batswana is loud and clear, and what we want is change.”
Boko’s administration faces immediate challenges, with the economy and unemployment high on the public’s list of concerns. However, the inauguration signaled a new era in Botswana’s democracy, one fueled by a popular demand for change and marked by unity among Batswana.