Botswana, Namibia tackle crime along border

The governments of Namibia and Botswana launched a joint plan for civil-military cooperation on Tuesday in Kasane, Botswana, to raise awareness among the communities living along the border rivers about illegal activities.At the presentation of the plan by the defense ministries of both countries, Botswana&#039;s defence minister Kagiso Mmusi, stated that the two countries are facing numerous problems along their shared border, ranging from illegal fishing, illegal border crossings and break-ins at lodges along the Chobe and Zambezi rivers to cattle theft and poaching.These criminal activities led the Botswana-Namibia Commission to request in September 2022 that the two defence forces develop a detailed plan for implementing civil-military cooperation, targeting the communities along the border.Two operationsMmusi said the joint operation, scheduled to take place from 9 to 12 July this year, aims to promote harmony between the two countries by educating the residents of Namibia and Botswana who live along the border.Another campaign, set to run from 6 to 9 August, will address human-wildlife conflicts and educate community members about animal behavior and coexistence, he said. "Our rich biodiversity is a valuable resource that must be protected. This campaign will inform communities about the importance of preserving our future fauna and flora, and the economic and ecological benefits of wildlife conservation. By promoting a sense of responsibility, we can ensure that our natural heritage is preserved for future generations," Mmusi explained.Namibian defence minister Frans Kapofi said both countries would only be able to control the situation if the communities living along the border are involved in this campaign. Their participation and awareness are crucial for the success of the efforts by security and law enforcement agencies.

Botswana, Namibia tackle crime along border

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Botswana, Namibia tackle crime along border

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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