Botswana’s President, Duma Gideon Boko, has declined an invitation from United States President Donald Trump to visit the White House, stating that any discussions involving Botswana’s resources should take place within the country.
President Boko made his position clear in remarks addressing the proposed visit. He emphasized that official engagements or business negotiations concerning Botswana’s resources should occur on Botswana’s soil rather than abroad.
“If there is any business or official engagement to discuss, it should take place in Botswana, not abroad,” Boko said.
He added that Botswana was “tired of traveling abroad for deals that concern its own resources,” signaling a shift in tone regarding how the country intends to conduct high-level negotiations.
According to Boko, genuine interest in Botswana’s natural resources should be demonstrated through direct engagement within the country. “If there is genuine interest in our resources, come to Botswana so we can talk business,” he stated.
The president framed his stance as a matter of commercial principle and national dignity. He argued that in standard business practice, buyers typically approach sellers.
“Let us respect the basic principle of commerce: buyers should go to the sellers. If the situation is reversed, then the buyer’s interest is not truly valuable,” Boko said.
Botswana is one of Africa’s leading producers of diamonds and has significant mineral wealth. The country has historically maintained strong diplomatic and trade relations with Western nations, including the United States.
Boko’s remarks suggest a more assertive posture in international economic diplomacy. Analysts say the statement reflects a broader trend among some African leaders advocating for negotiations to occur on more equal footing.
The United States has not publicly responded to the decision as of the time of reporting. It is unclear what specific agenda items were intended for discussion during the proposed White House visit.
Observers note that diplomatic visits often serve symbolic as well as practical purposes. However, Botswana’s position underscores a desire to reshape the optics and structure of engagements involving its natural resources.
President Boko’s comments may resonate domestically, where there is growing emphasis on maximizing local benefits from resource extraction and ensuring that international agreements reflect national priorities.
Botswana has long been regarded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, with a reputation for prudent economic management. The president’s decision signals a determination to reinforce sovereignty in commercial negotiations.
It remains to be seen whether discussions between Botswana and the United States will be rescheduled in Gaborone or through alternative diplomatic channels.
For now, the development highlights Botswana’s stated commitment to conducting resource-related negotiations on its own terms and within its own borders.
