The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) has entered a new era of leadership following the official appointment of Ambassador Mpho Churchhill Mophuting as the new Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) by President Duma Gideon Boko.
General Mophuting takes over the reins from Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo, who has completed his tenure at the helm of the BDF after 42 years of distinguished service to the nation.
To replace Segokgo, in accordance with Section 48(2) (b) of the constitution of Botswana as read with Section 27 (1) of the Botswana Defence Force Act, Mophuting was appointed by President Boko and promoted to the rank of General as he assumed duty, a press release reads.
To mark this transition, the change of command ceremony was held at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) in Mogoditshane on Monday morning, signalling a significant milestone in the history of the BDF. The ceremony was attended by President Boko in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, Parliament Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse, cabinet ministers, security chiefs, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, retired army officers, and serving men and women of the Force and other distinguished guests.
The handover between the two generals represents a seamless transition of leadership within the country’s premier security institution. In line with the long-standing tradition of the BDF, the process was conducted with military precision and discipline, reflecting the organisation’s values of loyalty, service, and professionalism.
In his last address as BDF Commander, Lieutenant General Segokgo said he felt honoured to have led the BDF as an institution he held in the highest esteem, which is built upon values of Botho, loyalty, courage, duty, integrity and discipline. “Serving alongside these men and women of the Botswana Defence Force has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Segokgo.
The outgoing commander thanked President Boko for his unwavering support, which proved instrumental in guiding the BDF. He said the BDF has thus remained steadfast in the defence and security of its nation.
The teary Segokgo added that: “as I retire, I am content that our enduring civil-military relations, founded on principles of our democratic constitution, the BDF’s subservience to civilian authority and its accountability to oversight arms of government continues to be intact and strong, making for a strong independent institution of state.”
The ex-army commander seized the moment to thank the contributions of all leaders past and present who ensured that the BDF lived up to its mandate, albeit with its challenges. He further paid tribute to his predecessors for their commitment and collective vision, which laid the solid foundation upon which he continued to build.
Meanwhile, General Mophuting’s appointment signals continuity and renewal within the BDF’s leadership structure. Having previously served as Deputy Commander, he brings with him extensive experience, having held numerous command and staff positions throughout his career. His military service spans over three decades, during which he has earned a reputation for discipline, strategic foresight, and commitment to the welfare of soldiers.
In his inaugural address, General Mophuting expressed deep gratitude to President Boko for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading one of Botswana’s most important institutions. He pledged to build upon the legacy of his predecessors while steering the Force towards modernisation and greater operational readiness.
Mophuting expressed delight in his appointment, saying that he was humbled by this gesture.
“I accept the appointment as the seventh commander of the Botswana Defence Force with unwavering commitment to the constitution of the republic, the President of the Republic of Botswana and the democratic ethos of our nation and to the preservation of peace, sovereignty and human dignity,” said the new BDF Commander, Mophuting.
Mophuting noted that the responsibility bestowed upon him was not just a personal honour but a profound national trust. He said being sanctioned to return to Botswana to serve as commander by the president was a defining Rubicon moment for him.
“This was not a mere appointment but rather the manifestation of destiny itself,” he said.
He further emphasised the need for the BDF to be people-centric as it endeavours to remain a critical institution in the defence and protection of the citizens of Botswana. General Mophuting noted that in the face of an evolving security environment, the BDF ought to be accountable for every budget it spent and place more emphasis on human capital than machinery to achieve its goal. To this end, he promised to place the welfare of soldiers at heart and lead with discipline and commitment to service. General Mophuting urged officers and soldiers to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the Constitution, to the Commander-in-Chief, and to the people of Botswana. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the Force’s internal cohesion, promoting professional development, and enhancing the welfare of service members and their families.
As General Mophuting assumes the top command, he becomes the seventh Commander of the BDF since its formation. His leadership marks not only a change in command but also a renewed commitment to national defence, peace, and progress, ensuring that the BDF continues to stand as a beacon of excellence, integrity, and dedication in service to the Republic of Botswana.
Established in 1977, the BDF has evolved from a small national force into one of the most respected and professional militaries in the Southern African region. Its mandate extends beyond traditional defence roles, encompassing peace support operations, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.
Under successive commanders, the BDF has contributed to regional stability through participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Standby Force and other multinational missions.
The Force has also provided critical assistance during natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and drought emergencies within Botswana.
