SECTOR 1 Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator. 3 Country meets many aspects of indicator but progress may be too recent to judge. 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator. 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has been doing so over time. Average score: 1.9 (2005 = 2.6; 2007 = 2.3) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. Analysis: Within the last year, a cloud of fear has descended on civilian life in Botswana, impacting on freedom of expression and on other freedoms as well, such as freedom of movement. “There is a definite sense of fear and uncertainty in Botswana at the moment. People don’t know what to say or how to say it.” “Freedom of expression is not a living right in this country. And the Constitutional provisions for it are to some intents and purposes, not respected by government.” Much of this can be attributed to Ian Khama becoming president in 2008. Khama, whose full title is President Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, is the son of Botswana’s first president at independence in 1966, Seretse Khama, who brought the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to power. Ian Khama’s military roots are very deep: he became the country’s youngest brigadier at 24 and previously served as commander of the Botswana Defence Force. Since 1979 he has also been paramount chief of the influential and largest tribe in the country, the Bangwato tribe. Ian Khama was vice-president for 10 years during the entire term of former president Festus Mogae, who resigned in “There is a definite sense of fear and uncertainty in Botswana at the moment. People don’t know what to say or how to say it.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009 11