Niël Terblanché
Namibia and Botswana have jointly launched the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Plan to reinforce border security and combat illegal activities.
The first part of the launch took place in Kasane, Botswana, and the second part in Katima Mulilo, Namibia.
The CIMIC is a collaborative effort under the theme “Working Together to Ensure Peaceful Coexistence, Security, and Human Development.”
Namibia’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Frans Kapofi, and Botswana’s Defence and Security Minister, Thomas Mmusi, were present at the launch, reflecting the deep historical ties and commitment to peace between the two nations.
Kapofi highlighted the importance of the CIMIC Plan in fostering peaceful coexistence and addressing the myriad challenges along the border.
He noted that the plan is a beacon of hope for communities on both sides of the border, emphasising the shared history and familial ties between Batswana and Namibians.
Kapofi expressed gratitude for Botswana’s support during Namibia’s struggle for independence and underscored the significance of maintaining harmonious relations despite past conflicts.
“Our nations share a history of solidarity and mutual support, which is why this plan is crucial for ensuring the safety and development of our border communities. Through the CIMIC Plan, we aim to engage these communities and educate them on the importance of legal border activities and cooperation with security forces,” Kapofi said.
The Botswana-Namibia Bi-National Commission first conceived the CIMIC Plan in 2022 during its inaugural session.
The plan calls for joint efforts by both countries’ defense forces to conduct coordinated patrols and community engagement activities along the border.
These activities will address illegal fishing, border crossings, poaching, and other criminal activities, which have often been exacerbated by foreign nationals exploiting local hospitality.
Minister Mmusi described the CIMIC Plan as a critical step towards fostering cooperation and ensuring the safety of citizens in both nations.
“Our defence forces will work together to conduct routine patrols along our shared border, which will not only enhance security but also build trust and collaboration between our military forces,” he stated.
The plan includes a series of sensitisation campaigns targeting illegal border crossings, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, set to begin in July and August 2024.
These campaigns will educate border communities on the legal and environmental implications of these activities, promoting a culture of lawfulness and conservation.
He added that a key aspect of the CIMIC Plan is its focus on community involvement. Traditional leaders and community representatives from both countries have been enlisted to support the initiative, ensuring that local voices are heard and incorporated into the planning and implementation stages.
This inclusive approach aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among border communities, enhancing the effectiveness of the plan.
In addition to security measures, the plan also emphasises the importance of sustainable development and cross-border cooperation.
In border regions, the CIMIC activities support infrastructure development, healthcare services, educational initiatives, and disaster response preparedness, ensuring that communities have the resources they need to thrive.
“By working together, we can create a safer, more prosperous future for our border communities and strengthen the bonds between our nations,” he said.
The launch of the CIMIC Plan is a demonstration of the enduring friendship and shared vision between Namibia and Botswana.
It represents a collective commitment to peace, security, and human development, setting a powerful example of regional cooperation in southern Africa.
