Botswana: BOCONGO urges probe against De Beers-gov't dealings
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08.02.10, 09:15
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World
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The Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (BOCONGO), which is a conglomerate of local civic society organizations, wants an official commission of inquiry to look into Botswana's government's dealings with diamond giant De Beers, amid concerns of possible improprieties, the Sunday Standard reported.
According to a BOCONGO statement, the group wants to investigate reports that Botswana’s political leaders and De Beers were involved in underhand dealings: “Any patriot will agree that these media reports are not just cause for great consternation but also an embarrassment and assault on our democracy and governance structures and processes. Such developments compromise the integrity and credibility of Botswana as a shining example of democracy and good governance,” read the statement.
The Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations also expressed concerns that such reports have the potential of eroding the trust and confidence that the nation had previously bestowed on its leaders: “BOCONGO calls on the government of Botswana to institute a commission of inquiry and thoroughly investigate this matter and on any other undisclosed dealings, which have a bearing on democracy and governance issues at national and district levels.
“It is our conviction that this cannot be possible in an environment clouded by lack of transparency, accountability and good governance,” the statement concluded.
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