Could Botswana abandon death penalty to tackle gender-based violence?
President Duma Boko has suggested a reassessment of the effectiveness of capital punishment in curbing violent crime, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), amid growing public concern over its persistent rise across Botswana.
Speaking at a meeting, President Boko noted that although Botswana has upheld capital punishment for decades, violent crime continues to rise. “We need to approach this issue with a clear mind. Over the years, we have implemented the death penalty, but people continue to kill. We must ask ourselves if it is helping or if we need a different approach,” he said.
Botswana remains one of the few African countries that still actively enforces the death penalty. However, Boko has suggested a shift toward a more nuanced approach addressing GBV.
In 2019, the Botswana National Review acknowledged persistent GBV levels and outlined national efforts to implement the Domestic Violence Act (2008). These measures included extensive public education and awareness campaigns at both national and community levels, using tools such as cultural dialogues, media discussions, and seminars.
The review also stated the government’s engagement with traditional and religious leaders to tackle GBV.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
