Duma Boko, the newly elected President of Botswana, is set to be inaugurated this Friday at the country’s National Stadium. Officially sworn in as the 6th President last week, Boko stated the urgency of assuming office during his initial speech, saying that any delay would leave Botswana without a leader.

In his address, Boko pledged to prioritise economic diversification, noting that Botswana’s economy remains heavily dependent on diamond sales.

Leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including President Nangolo Mbumba, have extended their congratulations to Boko. President Mbumba expressed his best wishes to Boko and the Umbrella for Democratic Change, following their electoral victory in the October 30 general elections.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also offered his congratulations, praising the election as a testament to democratic maturity in the region. Similarly, SADC Chair and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed his intention to collaborate closely with Boko on regional and international matters.

Global leaders have also reached out with messages of support. China’s President Xi Jinping, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken each extended their congratulations.

President Mbumba is expected to attend the inauguration ceremony on Friday.