President Ian Khama of Botswana this week wrapped up a national “farewell tour” before he stands down on Saturday in a power transfer designed to stress his statesmanship and the country’s stability.
He will be succeeded by Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a full 18 months before elections.
Khama has visited all of Botswana’s 57 constituencies since December, bidding a long goodbye to a population of just 2.2 million after serving the constitutional maximum of 10 years in office.
Thousands of jubilant villagers dressed in blue, white and black, gathered in a Kgotla, a traditional courtyard, to hear Khama speak and also to plead with him to remain in office.
“I was a soldier. I didn’t have any interest in joining politics. I had future plans away from politics. Former president Festus Mogae approached me and convinced me to join politics. Now Botswana is convincing me that I should become a farmer with all the animals that have been gifted to me,” says Khama.
Khama also spoke about the future president.
“I chose him because he is a very intelligent person. He is an expert in governance, a politician of note and he is a cultural expert. He knows Botswana’s traditions, cultures and everything. He is knowledgeable. Since working with him he has never disappointed me, not even once,” adds Khama.
Some residents lavished praise on the outgoing president, saying he was an honest man and a straightforward man.
“He is so compassionate, he helped everyone, whether you are poor or you are rich or you are sick or disabled, he is just there for you,” says a resident, Sadie Serowr.
Khama’s two terms in power have been defined by his country’s rapid development thanks to lucrative diamond and beef exports and by a reputation for good governance.
But his own record in office has not been without its critics, who accuse him of an autocratic leadership style.
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