Botswana’s President Ian Khama announced on Monday that he will step down as president in April next year when his term elapses.
During a State of the Nation address, Khama said that he will leave the country in the hands of his Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi .
“Five months from now I shall be passing the baton of leadership of this great country into the very capable hands of VP Mokgweetsi Masisi. He said.
Five months from now I shall be passing the baton of leadership of this great country into the very capable hands of VP @OfficialMasisi pic.twitter.com/Vifbmnu87H
— Botswana Government (@BWGovernment) November 6, 2017
“I am confident that with support of members of this House and the nation as a whole the next administration will continue to build on the legacy of progress that was begun under my predecessors.” He further said.
Khama succeeded former President Festus Mogae as president in 2008 after serving as Vice President since 1998. He was elected for a full five-year term in 2009 and re-elected in 2014 for his final second term.
Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi will serve as interim president until the election in 2019 which will see four main opposition parties standing as a coalition to topple the ruling party which has been in power since 1966, Africa news reports.
Ian Khama says the country can achieve its vision by coming together to build the country.
“While we will undoubtedly continue to confront significant challenges, when we place the interests of Botswana first we shall find the strength to overcome all obstacles,” he said.
