Duma Boko Faces Questions Over Rights Promises and Media Freedom

A European Union-funded assessment says President Duma Boko’s government has yet to turn its human rights message into clear policies and legislative reforms. The report examines Botswana’s civic space, raising concerns about inclusion, freedom of expression and the administration’s engagement with civil society. The assessment, published through the EU-supported Civil Society Organisations initiative, says the government has presented itself as committed to human rights but has not made explicit policy commitments that substantially advance the rights of marginalised groups, including women and LGBTQI+ people. It also describes civil society organisations as important to promoting inclusion and holding public institutions accountable, while noting that government engagement with them remains uneven. Media independence is another focus. According to the report, public remarks by Boko questioning the credibility of the media, restrictive interactions between government leaders and journalists, and allegations of efforts to manage debate on constitutional reform have contributed to concern about pressure on independent journalism. The assessment also points to the temporary removal of journalist Letumile Montsosa from a radio programme. The report says the decision was reportedly connected to coverage of the constitutional review process, and that it intensified worries about media independence and open public debate. A proposed Media Bill, 2025, gazetted in December 2025, has also drawn scrutiny. Although the measure is intended to modernise media regulation and promote professional standards, some media stakeholders and civil society groups fear that certain provisions could increase state oversight and weaken editorial independence. The report does not present these concerns as a final verdict on the administration. Instead, it questions whether the government’s stated commitments will be followed by practical changes, and whether journalists and civil society groups will be able to operate and speak freely as policy discussions continue.