04/11/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 1 November, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, offered his congratulations to the new President of Botswana, Duma Gideon Boko, elected following the landslide victory of the centre-left Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition in the 30 October general election. The Botswana Democratic Party had dominated the political scene in this southern African country since independence in 1966. The outgoing president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, admitted defeat and called on his supporters to back the new government. Mr Borrell hailed the transition as “exemplary”, congratulating the people of Botswana on “the peaceful exercise of their civic rights”. “Relations between the EU and Botswana are strong, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Botswana once the new government is in place,” said Mr Borrell. (BD)