Since Botswana became independent 1966, it enjoyed political stability and adhered to its democratic constitution. No matter who succeeds Sir Seretse, a smooth transition is expected and the new president will probably continue his policies.
During the past decade, Botswana was drawn into the Rhodesian conflict by guerrillas using Botswana to launch attacks on Rhodesia, as well as by Rhodesian refugees who settled in Botswana, and Botswana was actively involved in the search for a Rhodesian settlement.
Domestic problems remain: discontent with insufficient rural development, racial friction, mining developments and labour disputes, tribal divisions due to uneven mineral distribution, and Botswana youth have demonstrated a new militancy.
Economically, mining is the country’s fastest growing sector. It is the world’s fourth largest diamond producer, and also has copper, nickel and coal deposits. With a large rural population, agriculture is of major importance. There is increased migration from rural to urban areas, and Botswana is attempting to reduce its economic reliance on South Africa.
Internationally, Botswana belongs to the UN, Commonwealth, OAU and Non-Aligned Movement. It takes a non-aligned stance in world politics. With Zimbabwe an independent state, Botswana’s main concern in the subcontinent is with the independence of Namibia and with acknowledging economic ties with South Africa while keeping a political distance. Nonetheless, insurgents may have infiltrated South Africa via Botswana, which Botswana may find hard to control and would expose it to South African retaliation, a worst-case scenario which the new president will be determined to prevent.
