Duma Boko: Botswana’s human rights champion set to lead the nation

Duma Boko, a prominent human rights lawyer, is poised to become Botswana’s next president following a decisive electoral victory for his party.

This milestone marks the culmination of a 30-year campaign to unseat the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has held power since the country gained independence in 1966.

At 54, Boko will take the reins from Mokgweetsi Masisi, 63, in what promises to be a historic and peaceful transition.

Masisi has assured the nation that he will facilitate a “smooth and transparent” transfer of power, reflecting Botswana’s status as a stable democracy in Southern Africa.

Boko’s successful bid for the presidency follows two previous attempts in 2014 and 2019, which ended in disappointment.

This time, the leftist coalition he helped establish, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), resonated with voters in a country rich in diamonds but burdened by high unemployment rates—38% among youth and 27% overall.

“I’m proud that you voted in your own interest, for your rights, and for a system that is responsive, agile, and capable of protecting and defending your fundamental rights,” Boko declared to his supporters on Friday, highlighting the significance of this electoral victory.

As the first president born after independence, Boko’s rise is notable not just for his political achievements but also for his humble origins.

Hailing from a small village situated 200 kilometers north of Gaborone, he rose through the ranks despite lacking the privileged background of many of his predecessors.

After obtaining a law degree from the University of Botswana in 1993, he furthered his education with a master’s degree from Harvard Law School in 1995.

Known for his integrity and charisma, Boko has been described as an “honest broker” with a refined appearance, often noted for his meticulous grooming.

Boko is a seasoned opposition figure, having joined the Botswana National Front at just 21 years old, later taking the helm in 2010 and aligning it with the UDC.

Despite setbacks in previous elections, including a loss of seats in 2019, he has remained committed to advocating for change.

Washington Katema, director of the Southern Africa Human Rights Network, remarked, “Duma Boko has been fighting in the opposition for quite some time.”

Many were surprised by the magnitude of the recent electoral shift, given the UDC’s challenges and the departure of former allies from the coalition.

“I was shocked by both the scores and the intensity of voter participation,” Boko reflected with humility.

“I promise to do my best,” he assured his constituents as he prepares to lead Botswana into a new era.