Duma Boko: The Start of Another Familiar African Leadership Script?
Leadership in Africa has long been marred by a familiar, frustrating script—one characterized by grandeur, excessive international travel, and a penchant for symbolic gestures rather than concrete development.
The recent election of Duma Boko as Botswana’s president has sparked hope for change, but early indications suggest he might be treading the well-worn path of his predecessors, leaving citizens disappointed and skeptical.
Since taking office, Duma Boko has already made headlines—not for groundbreaking policies or addressing Botswana’s pressing issues like unemployment and economic diversification—but for his frequent international travels and the spectacle surrounding his airport send-offs. His recent trips to Zimbabwe and Belgium, accompanied by multitudes of people to bid him farewell, have drawn sharp criticism from social media users who see in him echoes of Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera.
Chakwera’s presidency in Malawi has been marked by frequent international trips, often criticized as wasteful and detached from the country’s dire economic realities. Despite Malawi grappling with poverty, unemployment, and inflation, Chakwera’s love for air travel has earned him the moniker “the globe-trotting president.” His frequent absences from Malawi have drawn accusations of neglecting the very people who elected him, and the costs associated with his entourage have added fuel to the fire.
A similar trajectory now seems to be unfolding in Botswana, a country known for its relatively stable governance compared to other African nations. However, stability alone does not address the pressing economic and infrastructural challenges facing the country.
Duma Boko’s first weeks in office have been marked by symbolism over substance. Critics are pointing out that he has flown to Zimbabwe twice within a short period—without any apparent benefits for Botswana. Zimbabwe itself is a country struggling with economic and political crises, leaving many to wonder what Botswana stands to gain from these trips.
Social media users have not held back. One user, Sinikiwe, remarked, “Duma Boko in Belgium. I think we’ve got another Chakwera in the making!” Another, Captain, said, “This one is going to disappoint us.” These comments reflect growing frustration with leaders who prioritize international engagements over domestic issues.
Another sore point has been the extravagant send-offs at airports, a recurring feature in many African countries. Images of Duma Boko being seen off by large crowds have drawn ire from citizens who feel such displays are unnecessary. Tino, a social media user, aptly summed up the sentiment: “That @duma_boko guy is average. He might be worse than Masisi. His first days in office are not looking positive.”
Botswana, like many African nations, needs leaders who prioritize pragmatic solutions over optics. The economy requires diversification from its reliance on diamonds, infrastructure needs significant upgrades, and unemployment—particularly among the youth—remains a pressing issue.
African leaders must break away from this cycle of grandeur and empty symbolism. Lazarus Chakwera’s presidency in Malawi serves as a cautionary tale. Despite his initial promises of servant leadership, his actions have alienated him from the people who once supported him. Frequent trips abroad have not brought meaningful benefits to Malawi, but they have certainly dented his popularity.
Duma Boko’s early actions suggest he may not have internalized these lessons. Instead of focusing on high-profile international visits, he should turn his attention to Botswana’s internal challenges, such as improving healthcare, education, and job creation.
