Botswana condemned for slaughtering 23 elephants for independence celebrations

Critics have condemned Botswana for authorising the killing of 23 elephants to provide meat for independence celebrations marking the country's 60th anniversary. The southern African nation, which is home to the world's largest elephant population, is hosting nationwide festivities to commemorate the anniversary. The Botswana government issued a licence authorising the hunting of 23 elephants and other wild animals for "complimentary purposes."

The Elephant Protection Society, based in Botswana, warns that the decision could undermine conservation efforts and encourage poaching. Chairman Oaitse Nawa stated that elephants need greater protection as they have lost their social structures due to constant relocation by gunshots. Some social media users expressed concerns about consuming the game meat amid an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, prompting authorities to impose measures to contain its spread.

Elder Tshenatshe Monwela from Maun, a tourism town in north-western Botswana, argued that buffalo should have been provided instead, as elephants hold particular cultural and ecological significance. The Botswana government has organised various events to mark the diamond jubilee, including a carnival in the capital, Gaborone, cultural performances, concerts, and sporting events.

The meat is expected to be served as part of the traditional celebrations. The 23 elephants were allocated across eight districts in the country, but it is unclear how many have been killed by Wednesday morning. The government has defended the regulated hunting as a means to manage the elephant population and human-wildlife conflict while generating income for communities.

However, conservation organisations have raised concerns about the sustainability of the hunting levels.