“They took a while to respond to him,” says Kaboyamodimo of the OP and the former president’s request
GAZETTE REPORTER
The government has agreed to facilitate former president Ian Khama’s trip to Europe on which he is expected to address a forum on political and civil rights abuse by dictatorship governments.
According to the CEO of the SKI Khama Foundation, Mogomotsi Kaboyamodimo, the Office of the President (OP) has responded to Khama’s request after some delays.
“I am informed that they have responded and agreed to facilitate his trip,” Kaboyamodimo said. “They took a while to respond to him. Our lawyers had written to them after they took some time to respond.
The Dalai Lama
“We had to remind them that it would be a violation of the constitution if they refused to facilitate his trip.”
It is said Khama was preparing to take the government to court if the OP refused to facilitate his trip. He once did so successfully when the government would not facilitate his trip to India at the invitation of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
Meanwhile, Khama, who is currently living in self-imposed exile in South Africa, is expected to be in Europe from 21 June to 24 instant.
Select eminent persons
“The former president is among select eminent persons, including other former heads of state, political activists and academics, who are vocal about political and civil rights as well as human rights abuses by dictatorships,” Kaboyamodimo said.
The government is expected to facilitate flight tickets for Khama and his entourage, their transportation in the host countries, as well as their accommodation and security.