Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Solomon Mantswe yesterday, 14 May 2025, conducted an official tour of the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Otse to familiarise himself with the academy’s operations, achievements, and challenges. The visit underscored Botswana’s ongoing commitment to supporting regional and international efforts in tackling complex transnational crimes.
Established in 2000 through a strategic partnership between the Governments of the United States of America and Botswana, ILEA Gaborone serves as a vital training hub for law enforcement officers across Africa. The academy focuses on equipping officers with the tools to combat a wide range of cross-border crimes, including terrorism, cybercrime, human and drug trafficking, financial crimes, and other organised criminal activities.
Addressing ILEA staff during the tour, Mr. Mantswe highlighted the importance of understanding the academy’s operational and administrative structure. He emphasized that his visit was not only to assess the academy’s effectiveness but also to strengthen relations between the Governments of Botswana and the United States. He acknowledged the strategic value of this collaboration, noting that the partnership promotes mutual support while deepening bilateral ties.
Mr. Mantswe reaffirmed the Botswana Police Service’s support in facilitating the continued success of ILEA Gaborone, particularly in delivering quality training, fostering international cooperation, and enhancing skill development among officers tasked with addressing global security threats. As both a partner and beneficiary, Botswana remains committed to leveraging ILEA’s programmes to strengthen national security capabilities.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and the protection of human rights in law enforcement. He urged officers to align with the current Administration’s priorities, which place public security at the core of national peace, socio-economic development, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
In her remarks, ILEA Managing Director and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Thateng Ludo Johwa-Mpundisi highlighted the academy’s significant impact. Since its inception, ILEA Gaborone has trained over 18,000 law enforcement and justice sector personnel from across Africa. She expressed gratitude for the leadership and continued support of the Botswana Police Service, which she described as essential to the academy’s success.
The Acting Commissioner’s visit reaffirmed the strategic importance of ILEA in strengthening regional and international policing efforts and underscored Botswana’s leadership in fostering peace and security across the continent.
