Is This the End of Hangings in Botswana? Boko Responds

Описание: President Duma Boko has addressed growing national debate over the future of the death penalty, revealing that Botswana may be entering a new phase of legal and constitutional reflection on the issue. Responding to points raised during the SONA debate, Boko clarified that while government has not yet cancelled the death penalty, it is actively reviewing the law, its application, and its alignment with modern human rights standards.

He stressed that the conversation is not about emotion or political pressure, but about ensuring Botswana’s justice system reflects fairness, constitutionality, and evolving global norms. Boko explained that the constitutional review process will allow Batswana, legal experts, traditional leaders, and civil society to contribute to determining whether capital punishment should remain, be amended, or be abolished.

The President, himself a constitutional lawyer, emphasised that his duty is to guide the nation through a fact-based and principled assessment rather than unilateral decisions. He added that government is examining whether the mandatory nature of the death penalty, sentencing procedures, and appeals processes fully meet constitutional standards.

Boko assured the nation that any final position will be led by public consultation and legal guidance, noting that “Botswana must choose a path that balances justice, human dignity, and the rule of law.”