The past year confronted us with profound challenges: shrinking civic space, deepening funding constraints, and a global and local rollback on hard-won human rights. We have witnessed the resurgence of anti-gender movements, the emboldening of religious fundamentalism, and the persistence of neo-colonial forces that seek to dictate whose lives, bodies, and identities are worthy of dignity and protection. These forces do not exist in isolation. They manifest daily in policy, in silence, and in violence.
In Botswana, these realities have unfolded alongside an ongoing health emergency that continues to expose systemic inequalities within our healthcare system. For LGBTQIA+ persons, these gaps are not merely inconvenient; they are life- threatening. Stigma, discrimination, and fear too often stand between our community and the care, safety, and respect we deserve.
Most painfully, 2025 was a year marred by gender-based violence and escalating hatred directed at LGBTQIA+ persons. This reality was laid bare by the brutal murder of a young man in Maun. We honour his life, his humanity, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind, and we stand in solidarity with his family and loved ones, holding space for grief, anger, and remembrance. This killing was not an isolated tragedy, but part of a deeply troubling pattern of hate-motivated violence against LGBTQIA+ persons in Botswana. We reiterate, unequivocally, our demand for justice, and we call for accountability, meaningful protection, and an end to the violence that continues to threaten and undermine our community’s right to exist.
As we usher in a new year, LEGABIBO recommits itself, firmly and without compromise, to promoting, protecting, and defending the human rights of all LGBTQIA+ persons. We do so at a pivotal moment in our country’s history. With the Constitutional Court process imminent and the struggle for marriage equality before us, the path ahead demands courage, clarity, and even stronger advocacy.
We look forward to walking this path alongside our human rights government, civil society organisations, duty bearers and with the global community. Progress will require honesty, accountability, and partnership rooted in justice rather than rhetoric.
We extend our deep gratitude to our donors and partners, whose solidarity sustains our work; to our allies, who continue to stand with us even when it is difficult; and most importantly, to the LGBTQIA+ community of Botswana. You remain the heart of this movement. We invite you to continue this journey with us: towards equality, safety, dignity, and freedom for all.
We are grateful for the lessons, resilience, and collective strength of 2025, and we step into 2026 with hope for impactful, bold, and Botho-centred action.
In solidarity and service.