Bame Piet
22 August 2008
Gaborone — Despite political tension between Botswana and Zimbabwe since the June 27 presidential run-off, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) recently hosted their counterparts from Zimbabwe, protocol and public affairs director, Lieutenant Colonel Mogorosi Baatweng, has confirmed.
"Yes, it is true that recently, the BDF Defence Command and Staff College hosted their Zimbabwe counterparts, the Zimbabwe Staff College," he said in response to Mmegi enquiries.
He said that the Zimbabwe Staff College delegation was in Botswana for a week (from August 9 to August 16). Baatweng revealed that the 12-month staff college course is designed for middle management officers, mostly of the rank of major, who upon successful completion are assigned to senior positions. "The delegation was here on a geo-political and strategic studies tour of Botswana. This is the normal practice in countries, which have such colleges," he stated.
He further revealed that two delegations of the BDF Defence Command and Staff College are also undertaking similar tours in Zambia and South Africa. "You may also wish to know that we are expecting a visit of Zambia Staff College in the near future," he said.
Baatweng further confirmed that some Zimbabwe Defence Force members recently participated in the International Military Sports Council (CISM) Eastern and Southern African Liaison Office (ESALO) Tennis Competition, which was hosted by Botswana early July. Botswana hosted games, and other countries, which participated were Lesotho and South Africa. Sources in the BDF say that the Zimbabwe flag was not in full mast for fear of the highest office. "The Commander ordered that the flag should be in full mast. He stated that he has no problem with Zimbabweans," said a source.
Baatweng denied that Army Commander, Lieutenant General Tebogo Masire, ever uttered such words. "The commander has never mentioned anything about his personal feelings with regard to any country, including Zimbabwe. The relationship between BDF and other sister defence forces in the region, including Zimbabwe, has always been cordial and amicable," he said. "That man has an independent mind - very unpredictable," the source added.
He further dismissed a view held by some soldiers that the commander has expressed discontent with the president. "The president and the commander of the BDF have a working relationship spanning over 31 years, 21 of which they worked closely together in the BDF. For this reason, their cordial relationship based on professionalism and respect cannot be doubted," Baatweng said.
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