Excitement has been building in Botswana ahead of the maiden official visit by Rwandan president Paul Kagame to the southern African country where he is something of a cult figure.
As his plane touched down at the international airport in Gaborone on Thursday, the people of Botswana had taken to social media praising the Rwandan leader for his ‘spectacular leadership’.
President Kagame was given the highest honour ever accorded to a visiting head of state with a 21-gun salute before he inspected a guard of honour.
University of Botswana academic, Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe writing about the signiifcance of the visit, he said Rwanda under Kagame must export peace and share best practices with other African countries.
“More trade, cooperation, partnerships and exchange needs to happen between African states. We must promote each others’ strengths and not weaknesses. Welcome your Excellency” he said.
Facebook user, Moneedi Moitoi wrote:“I hope you (President Masisi) learn from him (President Kagame) how he managed to empower his country to be industrious as it is today.”
Another,Koobakile Shielahmodukz, said “I like his leadership skills.”
Emily Bosekilwe wrote:
“If Botswana government could benchmark on this country things would be better for us. We need transformation as a nation.”
President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the visit by his Rwandan counterpart will afford both of them an invaluable opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
KO/as/APA