The Vice President of Botswana, Ndaba Gaolathe, met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) to seek support for Botswana’s candidate for Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba.
During the meeting, Vice President Gaolathe highlighted Ambassador Masire-Mwamba’s distinguished career and extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy. He presented her as a highly qualified candidate capable of leading the OPCW and strengthening its global non-proliferation and chemical weapons control mandate.
Vice President Gaolathe emphasised that her election would be a milestone for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. He urged regional and international partners to support Botswana’s candidate, noting the importance of promoting African women into key global leadership positions.
The OPCW plays a critical role in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention and advancing international security. The election for the organisation’s next Director-General is scheduled for later this year, making diplomatic support from regional allies essential.
Botswana’s engagement at TICAD 9 underscores its commitment to multilateral diplomacy and efforts to increase African representation in international institutions.
