Diary of an IR scholar

South Africa's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, had on Friday, 09 April 2021 expressed condolences on behalf of his Government and the people of South Africa  to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II,   on the passing of the Queen's husband, Prince Philip- Duke of Edinburgh.  Prince Philip passed away on Friday  (09 April 2021), at the age of 99. He  was the longest-serving consort in the history of the British monarchy. [Source: Al Jazeera]  "President Ramaphosa says South Africa’s thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty, the Royal Family, the Government and people of the United Kingdom as they mourn their loss," read an official statement issued by the office of the President.    President Ramaphosa had described Prince Philip as a remarkable public figure who lived an extraordinary life and said he will be fondly remembered by many people around the world.

President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, and his delegation, had on 06 April 2021 embarked on a Working Visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini.  The Visit was aimed at the two heads of states, Masisi and His Majesty King Mswati III, engaging on issues of mutual interest and concern, particularly in finding common solutions to the socio-economic challenges presented by Covid-19. The High-Level Visit to Eswatini by Botswana was the second; the first was in May 2018.   The Botswana Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation said the last visit had “provided the two leaders the opportunity to discuss areas of cooperation in health, education, defence and security.”  Meanwhile in South Africa, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, will on Thursday, 08 April 2021, be joined by Ukraine Ambassador to South Africa, Liubov Abravitova, in a community outreach programme at three schools in George, in the Wester...

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will on Thursday, 08 April 2021, convene an Extraordinary Double Troika Summit in Maputo, Mozambique, to deliberate on measures to address the terrorist attacks in Mozambique. President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, in his capacity as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, had on 31 March 2021 issued a statement expressing the SADC concern with the persistent terrorist attacks in the country and reaffirmed support for Mozambique.  “We wish to express our full solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique, as well as the armed forces on the ground, who are working towards restoring peace and security in the affected areas. We also wish to reaffirm our continued commitment to contribute towards the efforts to bring about lasting peace and security, as well as reconciliation and development in Mozambique.” Masisi said the attacks were an affront to peace and securi...