Botswana denies hosting a US military base

Botswana’s government has stressed that it does not have a US military base on its territory.
Gaborone says the Thebephatshwa Air Base is a sovereign military installation owned by the Botswana government through the country’s defence force.
It says reports that the US owns a military base in Botswana are part of misinformation.
The Botswana government says Thebephatshwa Air Base serves the country’s national interests of enhancing emergency response capabilities, supporting regional peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.
Gaborone adds that it’s key for the discussions concerning national security to be grounded in verified facts.
Botswana further says it values its strong relationships with all its neighbours and remains committed to regional cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect.

Botswana says it doesnt have United States military base at Thebephatshwa. #sabcnews #Botswana #US pic.twitter.com/PFjWbHftGd
— Khayelihle Rafiq Khumalo-James (@KhayaJames) March 17, 2026

www.sabcnews.com, https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/botswana-denies-hosting-a-us-military-base/