Ian Khama Fourth President of Botswana Date of Birth: 27.02.1953 Country: Botswana

1. Biography of Ian Khama
2. Political Career
3. Presidency

Biography of Ian Khama

Ian Khama, the fourth President of Botswana, was born on February 27, 1953, in Chertsey, Surrey County, United Kingdom. His father, Seretse Khama, the future first President of Botswana, was forced to leave the country due to problems with the colonial government and the emerging apartheid regime in South Africa, which were connected to his marriage to a white woman, Lady Khama.

Political Career

Ian Khama became the leader of the Bamangwato tribe on May 5, 1979. He also served as a professional pilot and was the commander of the army until 1998. In 1998, Khama became the Vice President of Botswana, succeeding Festus Mogae, who had become the President. He officially assumed the position of Vice President after his election to parliament.

After the victory of the Botswana Democratic Party, of which Khama was a member, he was appointed as the Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration. However, on January 1, 2000, Khama was sent on leave due to sharp criticism from non-governmental organizations towards him. He returned to his duties as Vice President on September 1, 2000, but lost his position as Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration.

In July 2003, Khama became the leader of the Botswana Democratic Party. He received twice as many votes as the previous party chairman, Ponatshego Kedikilwe. Khama was now considered the main candidate for the presidency of Botswana after the end of Festus Mogae's term.

Presidency

On April 1, 2008, as expected, Ian Khama became the fourth President of Botswana. During the swearing-in ceremony in Gaborone, Khama stated that he did not intend to make any radical changes in domestic and foreign policy, although he did not exclude the possibility of changes aimed at strengthening democracy in the country.

As President, Khama appointed Daniel Kwelagobe as the Chairman of the Botswana Democratic Party and Mompati Merafhe, who had been the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as his Vice President. He appointed trusted individuals, mostly relatives, to all important positions in the government. His cousin, Ramadeluka Seretse, serves as the Minister of Defense, Justice, and Security, including intelligence and prosecution. The position of Minister of Communication, Science, and Transport is occupied by Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, a close family friend. Another family friend, Kitso Mokaila, serves as the Minister of Environment, Wildlife, and Tourism.