The Botswana government has officially lifted the travel ban on Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), just ahead of the inauguration of President Duma Boko. The decision was formalised in a Government Notice issued on Thursday.
Malema, alongside other prominent figures such as former EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu and businesswoman Bridgette Radebe, had previously been barred from entering Botswana. If he attends President Boko’s inauguration on Friday, it will be his first visit to the country since 2011, when he was banned for making controversial remarks about then-President Ian Khama.
At the time, Malema, then leader of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League, accused Khama’s government of being a puppet regime and criticised its policies. His speech included a threat of a coup to overthrow the government, which led to a strained diplomatic relationship between South Africa and Botswana. The government of Botswana responded by imposing a visa ban, which prevented Malema from entering the country.
Malema’s expulsion from the ANC in 2012 was partially linked to his calls for regime change in Botswana, further complicating relations between the two nations. Now, with the lifting of the travel restriction, the EFF leader is set to attend the upcoming inauguration ceremony, marking a new chapter in the diplomatic relations between South Africa and Botswana.
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