Asantehene Holds ‘Private Talks’ With Botswana Ex-President
The Monarch of the Asante Kingdom, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has held a private meeting with H.E Seretse Khama Ian Khama, the fourth President of Botswana.
The meeting was held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The ex-president was accompanied by two of his aides.
Ian Khama while exchanging pleasantries with traditional authorities after his private meeting with the King, confirmed he also holds a traditional position in his home country.
Born to a British mother and a Motswana father, Ian Khama, served as Vice President when Festus Mogae ruled Botswana from 1998 to 2008. He took over as President when Mogae resigned in 2008 ahead of the presidential elections.
The now 71-year-old retained the seat during the election to begin his 10-year reign from April 1, 2008, to April 1, 2018.
At the time of his election, the country was battered with human rights concerns including violence against women and children, child labour in the form of cattle herding, discrimination against the San people, overcrowded prison conditions and lengthy delays in the judicial process.
His government took steps to prosecute officials who committed abuses, including prosecuting and convicting military officers for murder as well as finding long-lasting solutions to most of the country’s human rights challenges, according to the 2011 United States Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
The son of Botswana’s first president served in the military service of his country from 1977 to 1998 and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant General.
