Botswana denies claims of US military base

The government of Botswana has firmly denied reports of a US military presence in the country, clarifying that the Tebefashwa Air Base is entirely under the control of Botswana’s Defence Forces.

“The Government of Botswana wishes to refute and correct the misinformation being circulated in various media outlets and political circles regarding the Tebefashwa Air Base. There is no US military base in Botswana,” the statement published on the government’s website on March 17 reads, Caliber.Az reports.

Authorities emphasised that the base is “wholly owned, managed and controlled” by Botswana and is used to strengthen emergency response capabilities, including participation in peacekeeping missions and humanitarian operations across Africa.

The clarification comes after claims surfaced on social media in early March suggesting that the United States had a military facility in Botswana. The posts cited Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters party, who has repeatedly alleged the existence of a U.S. base in the country.

On March 4, Botswana’s Foreign Minister Fenio Butale addressed parliament to refute the rumours, describing them as “unacceptable” and warning that they “pose a threat to Botswana’s national security and international relations.”

By Sabina Mammadli