Mokgweetsi Masisi | |
|---|---|
 Masisi in 2023 | |
| 5th President of Botswana | |
| In office 1 April 2018 – 1 November 2024 | |
| Vice President | Slumber Tsogwane |
| Preceded by | Ian Khama |
| Succeeded by | Duma Boko |
| Chairman of the Botswana Democratic Party | |
| In office 1 April 2017 – 4 April 2018 | |
| Preceded by | Ian Khama |
| Succeeded by | Slumber Tsogwane |
| 8th Vice President of Botswana | |
| In office 12 November 2014 – 1 April 2018 | |
| President | Ian Khama |
| Preceded by | Ponatshego Kedikilwe |
| Succeeded by | Slumber Tsogwane |
| Member of Parliament for Moshupa / Manyana | |
| In office 2009 – 1 April 2018 | |
| President | Ian Khama |
| Preceded by | Maitlhoko Mooka |
| Succeeded by | Karabo Gare |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi 21 July 1961[1] Moshupa, Bechuanaland (now Botswana) |
| Political party | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1[2] |
| Alma mater | University of Botswana Florida State University |
| Occupation |
|
| Profession | Teacher[3] |
| Nickname | Sisiboy |
Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi (/mɔːkˈweɪtsi/; born 21 July 1961) is a Motswana politician and former President of Botswana, who served between 1 April 2018 to 1 November 2024.[4][1][5] He served as the 8th Vice President of Botswana from 12 November 2014 to 1 April 2018. He was a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly for the Moshupa-Manyana constituency from 2009 to 2018.
Initially having a good relationship with former President Ian Khama, who appointed Masisi as Vice President, the two later clashed over a ban on elephant hunting, and Khama has since accused Masisi of having "stifled dissent". Coming to power in the 2019 elections, the opposition claimed irregularities and electoral fraud. However, an observation mission from the African Union reported that the elections were conducted transparently and met international standards.
His government oversaw response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the pandemic, Masisi ruled by decree from March 2020 to September 2021, despite protests from the public and the opposition party.
- ^ a b "Botswana: Mokgweetsi Masisi takes over presidency amid opposition resurgence". Deutsche Welle. 31 March 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- ^ "Staff corner - Profile" (PDF). UN Staff Voice. No. 6. June 2018. pp. 36–39. Retrieved 9 August 2019.
- ^ "Profile of His Honour Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, Vice President of The Republic of Botswana". Government of Botswana. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
- ^ "Who is Botswana's new President Mokgweetsi Masisi?". The M&G Online. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
- ^ "Botswana inaugurates new president Masisi in smooth handover". France 24. 1 April 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2019.