Launching the Botswana National Action Plan on Firearms Management. 2nd August 2004, Gaberone Sun, Botswana

Preface by the Minister for
Presidential Affairs and Public
Administration
Mr Daniel K. Kwelagobe, M.P.

We as the Government of Botswana are committed to improving the safety
and security of all our citizens. The socio-economic development of Botswana
rests on us having a country that is safe. Foreign investors will only invest in
our country if they believe their investments are safe.
The illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons represents a direct
threat to the development, stability, safety and security of Botswana and the
rest of the region. The Botswana Government is fully committed to addressing
this problem. This is evidenced by our participation and contributions at
various international and regional initiatives such as the Bamako Declaration,
United Nations Programme of Action and the SADC Protocol on the Control
of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials. Botswana was also
one of the first countries to ratify the Protocol.
The Government of Botswana fully supports the provisions of the Protocol and
has been at the forefront of calling for its rapid ratification by other states in
our region and its implementation. Despite the fact that the Protocol has not
yet come into force, Botswana has taken steps to implement the Protocol.
These include the holding of a National Conference with the theme "Towards
a Safe and Secure Nation" and the establishment of the National Focal Point.
In addition, in conjunction with SaferAfrica, we have just completed a detailed
mapping of the problem in Botswana. Arising out of the mapping is a National
Action Plan aimed at addressing the root causes of the illicit proliferation of
small arms and light weapons.
With our unwavering commitment and the help of our friends, both in the NGO
and international community we will successfully deal with the scourge of illicit
small arms and light weapons in Botswana and our region.