BOTSWANA JOINS REGIONAL EFFORT TO CURB ILLEGAL FIREARMS

Article By: Phenyo Babusi

Botswana has launched a nationwide firearms amnesty this September, urging citizens to surrender unregistered or illegally held weapons without fear of arrest or prosecution.

Botswana Police Service’s Senior Commissioner, Gaobuswe Ramatlakadibe-Sefhako, said the initiative is part of African Amnesty Month, an African Union programme under the Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030 roadmap aimed at reducing armed violence.

He noted that although Botswana records relatively low levels of gun crime compared to some neighbors, unlicensed firearms still pose risks to public safety. The amnesty, first introduced in 2024, runs until 30 September this year and has already seen several weapons handed in.

Authorities stress the exercise promotes voluntary compliance, with all surrendered firearms set for destruction as the country pushes toward silencing guns by 2030.