The Presidency of General Ian Khama: The Militarization of the Botswana 'Miracle'

Since the succession of Lieutenant-General Ian Khama to the presidency in April 2008, an escalation in the militarization and personalization of power in Botswana has taken place. Repressive agencies have been operationalized, military personnel have entered government in increased number, an informal coterie of advisers has come into being around Khama, and a spate of accusations of extra-judicial killings by state agents have been made. Governance and democracy are thus seriously undermined in what is conventionally represented as an African success, and this briefing details recent events which are threatening the rule of law, peace, and human rights in Botswana.