The joint civil-military community sensitisation campaign between Namibia and Botswana started in the Zambezi Region.

The campaign aims to educate and sensitise residents along the border between Namibia and Botswana.

The campaign started on Impalila Island, focusing on illegal fishing and border crossings, poaching, smuggling of firearms, drugs, and illicit goods, human wildlife conflict, cattle rustling, and protected resources.

Residents from Impalila and Kasika raised concerns about transport costs, particularly when travelling to Katima Mulilo.

The residents asked for intervention in this regard.

Issues regarding the difference in treatment by law enforcement agencies between Namibia and Botswana were also a topic for discussion.

Botswana Defence Force Colonel Modiri Thembo, responsible for operations, responded to the shooting of residents.

"When we encounter incidents of transgressions by individuals who have crossed into Botswana, our intention as a law enforcement agency is to arrest. In the process of arresting, there are instances where the transgressor is the one who starts the shooting."

The Deputy Director for Protocol and Consulate Affairs in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Mario Munwela, emphasises peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness along the common border.

"The emphasis is on preserving unity and cooperation for the betterment of our shared future. Moreover, this plan strives to build bridges of understanding and compassion among the diverse population living in the region."

All relevant ministries and agencies from Botswana and Namibia form part of a joint team covering up to 23 villages in Namibia and 21 in Botswana.