Botswana President Does Africa Proud

The African Executive, a libertarian website based in Kenya, writes about a peaceful transition in leadership: "President Festus Mogae of Botswana has handed over power to Ian Khama, joining the small group of African leaders who have left office without seeking to extend their rule. The smooth transition follows the example set by his predecessor, Sir Ketumile Masire, who stepped down in 1998, even though he had 11 more years to go. Contrary to what many African leaders would have done, Masire did not contest elections in 1999 and 2004 to complete the newly introduced limit of two five-year terms. Though there was nothing legal preventing him from exploiting the new law, like former Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni did. His successor Mogae is similarly giving away 18 months before the next general elections after serving almost two five-year terms. He has toured the country bidding the people goodbye and has already moved out of State House. During Mogae’s 10-year rule, Botswana maintained its reputation as a politically and economically stable country."