The Government of Botswana has dismissed recent claims suggesting the presence of a United States military base at Thebephatshwa Air Base, reaffirming that the facility remains fully under Botswana’s control.
In a press release on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the Ministry for State President, Defence and Security described the reports as “misinformation” and stressed that Botswana does not host a US military installation. The statement clarified that Thebephatshwa Air Base is a sovereign facility, owned and operated entirely by the Botswana Defence Force.
The government highlighted the base’s key roles, including enhancing emergency response capabilities, supporting regional peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, and maintaining the operational readiness of the armed forces.
While welcoming public discourse, Botswana urged caution against spreading unverified information, noting that “misinformation, particularly when amplified across borders, has the potential to create unnecessary misunderstanding among citizens and between neighbouring countries.”
Reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation, the government emphasized that Botswana values strong relationships with its neighbours and remains dedicated to dialogue and mutual respect.
The statement also called on media outlets, commentators, and political actors to verify facts before making statements about the country’s defence posture, warning that “misinformation serves no one’s interests and undermines trust between nations.”
This clarification comes amid concerns over reports linking Botswana to US military operations, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.
The government concluded by reiterating its commitment to transparency and accountability in all matters of public interest.
