A joint operation to tackle a scourge of cross-border crime has kicked off in the Zambezi region, with Namibia and Botswana uniting against a tide of illegal activity that is threatening the livelihoods of border communities.
The campaign, launched in June and centred around Impalila Island, is targeting a litany of problems including poaching, illegal fishing, cattle rustling, and the smuggling of everything from firearms to fish.
Residents on both sides of the Chobe River, which separates the two countries, have been vocal about the challenges they face.
“The cost of living here is a nightmare,” said one Impalila resident, who asked not to be named. “Everything is expensive, and it’s much easier to get things from Botswana. But trying to sell fish there is a hassle.”
This sentiment was echoed by others who complained about the perceived tougher stance Namibian authorities take on cross-border trade compared to their Botswana counterparts.
Colonel Modiri Thembo, from the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), sought to quell these concerns. “The BDF operates within the law,” he said. “Incidents of people being shot are unfortunate but not intentional.”
The joint operation, involving a vast array of government departments from both countries, will cover 23 villages in Namibia and 21 in Botswana. It’s a mammoth task, but one that both nations believe is crucial for their shared prosperity.
“Peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness are the bedrock of this campaign,” said Mario Munwela, Namibia’s Deputy Director for Protocol and Consular Affairs.
The initiative is underpinned by the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Plan, a blueprint for joint patrols and community engagement.
“This plan is a cornerstone of our cooperation,” said Namibian Defence Minister Frans Kapofi. “It will foster peace, security, and development.”
His Botswana counterpart, Thomas Mmusi, added: “We share a deep history and a commitment to peace. This plan is a vital step in ensuring the safety of our citizens.”
A key focus of the campaign is agriculture, a sector that is often hit hard by cross-border crime. Cattle rustling, in particular, is a persistent problem.
“We cannot allow criminals to undermine our agricultural efforts,” said Kapofi. “This is about protecting livelihoods and ensuring food security.”
As the campaign unfolds, the hope is that it will not only curb crime but also strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
“By working together, we can create a safer and more prosperous future for our people,” said Mmusi.
