News

Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, has commended the University of Botswana (UB) for its growing contribution to peacebuilding and regional diplomacy, describing the institution as an important partner in advancing dialogue on the African Union (AU)-led peace process in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Delivering the vote of thanks at the conclusion of a public lecture on The African Union-Led Peace Process for the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dr Butale praised the University for providing the intellectual leadership needed to deepen understanding of one of Africa's most complex peace and security challenges.

The public lecture was organised by the UB Department of Political Science and Public Administration at the UB Hotel on the 25th of July 2026

"Your dedication to promoting peace, unity and dialogue continues to inspire us all," said Dr Butale said.

Addressing the University, the Minister expressed gratitude for its steadfast commitment to engaging with issues of national, regional, continental and international importance. He said the University's role in fostering informed discussion around peacebuilding in the eastern DRC had not gone unnoticed.

Dr Butale further acknowledged the University's contribution to the successful hosting of the event, noting that its support, whether intellectual, financial, logistical or moral, had been instrumental in making the engagement a success.

He said the public lecture demonstrated the important role universities can play in bringing together policymakers, diplomats, scholars and students to exchange ideas and generate practical solutions to complex regional challenges.

The commendation follows the University's reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting sustainable peace in the DRC through research, policy engagement, capacity building and regional collaboration. During the public lecture, UB outlined its intention to contribute to peacebuilding by producing evidence-based research, training mediators and civic leaders, strengthening governance and reconciliation efforts and forging partnerships with regional and continental institutions.

Hosted by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, the public lecture formed part of a three-day meeting of the African Union Panel of Facilitators, mandated to mediate peace efforts in the eastern DRC.

The distinguished panel featured former President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Central African Republic, Her Excellency Catherine Samba-Panza, and former President of Ethiopia, Her Excellency Sahle-Work Zewde. The discussion was moderated by Dr Gladys Mokhawa of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration.