Botswana’s history is comparable to that of other African countries in that its history can be divided into three periods, namely pre-European occupation, European occupation, and independence. However, the history of Botswana and its people can be considered unique in that the period of its independence has been characterized by political and economic stability.
Before the European occupation
The main ethnic group in Botswana is called ‘Tswana’, from which the term Botswana is derived. Before the Europeans came to Africa, the people of Botswana were mostly herders and farmers who were under tribal rule. Just before the Europeans arrived, hostilities broke out between the Botswana people and other tribes elsewhere, which included hostilities between the Boers and the Botswana tribes.
european occupation
By 1885, the hostilities worsened. To put an end to the hostilities, Khama III, then leader of Botswana, asked the British Government for help by placing the northern territory (Bechuanaland) under its protection. This northern part eventually became Botswana, and the southern part became part of South Africa.
When Great Britain formed the Union of South Africa, the Bechuanaland protectorate was not included along with Lesotho and Swaziland. The British arranged for these areas to be later incorporated into the Union, but this never happened. Two of the main events that hindered this incorporation were the institutionalization of apartheid in South Africa in 1948 and the eventual withdrawal of South Africa from the Commonwealth in 1961. While all this was happening, the British authorities expanded. In the 1920s, tribal governments evolved in Botswana through the establishment of two advisory councils represented by Africans and Europeans. In 1934, tribal rules and powers were formally established, leading to the establishment of a European-African council in 1951. In 1961, a constitution was drawn up and an advisory legislative council was established in the country.
independence
By 1964, the British accepted Botswana’s desire for independence and allowed the people to write a new constitution for 1965. After the constitution was written, elections were held and independence was granted in September 1966. The first president It was Seretse Khama who held the position until 1980 (after two re-elections) until his death in office. Since then, ordinary elections have been held every five years. The current president of Botswana is Festus Mogae.
Botswana’s history may have followed the trend of most African countries. However, Botswana has experienced relative stability since its independence. This sets the country apart from the most unstable democracies in the region.