Botswana denies US base claims

by ODIRILE TOTENG
GABORONE, (CAJ News) – THE Botswana government has firmly rejected allegations that it is hosting a United States military base at Thebephatswa, dismissing the claims as false and misleading amid renewed regional debate.

The issue resurfaced following accusations by South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which has repeatedly alleged that a US military presence in Botswana poses a security threat to South Africa and the broader Southern African region.

The party’s leader, Julius Malema, has previously argued that such a base could be used strategically against neighbouring countries, warning of potential military risks.

Botswana authorities, however, have strongly denied these claims.

Addressing Parliament, Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale stated unequivocally that there is “no American airbase in Botswana,” stressing that the allegations are unfounded and risk creating unnecessary regional tension.

In a separate statement circulating in official channels, the government further reinforced its position, declaring: “There is no U.S. military base in Botswana. Anyone who claims otherwise is an enemy of the state and a danger to the nation.”

The controversy is not new.

Claims about a possible US military footprint in Botswana date back several years, often linked to cooperation between the Botswana Defence Force and the United States on training exercises and infrastructure development.

Reports have previously indicated that facilities at Thebephatswa Airbase were upgraded to support joint exercises, but Botswana has consistently maintained that these do not constitute a permanent foreign military base.

The EFF has nonetheless continued to press the issue, framing it within a broader critique of US influence on the African continent.

The party argues that any foreign military installation in the region could undermine sovereignty and destabilise neighbouring states.

Despite these concerns, Botswana has emphasised that its international partnerships are transparent and focused on cooperation rather than permanent basing arrangements.

Officials maintain that defence collaboration with global partners is standard practice and aimed at strengthening capacity, not compromising national or regional security.

Analysts note that the dispute highlights growing sensitivities around foreign military involvement in Africa, particularly as geopolitical competition intensifies.

For Botswana, however, the government’s position remains clear: there is no US military base on its soil, and claims to the contrary are without merit.

As the debate continues, the issue underscores the tension between political rhetoric and official policy, with Botswana seeking to reassure both its citizens and regional partners of its sovereignty and security commitments.

– CAJ News