New man, new discipline

Ian Khama calmly takes over the presidency as bigger neighbours struggle with successions and elections

Southern Africa's model democracy shamed its neighbours with the dignified inauguration of its new president on 1 April. Lieutenant General Ian Khama Seretse Khama quickly stamped his authority on the government (AC Vol 49 No 6). He is the Paramount Chief of the Bamangwato people, a 55-year-old teetotal bachelor and, between 1989 and 1998, commanded the Botswana Defence Force. He would like more discipline in the country and disapproves of President Robert Gabriel Mugabe's dangerous game next door, which has driven tens of thousands of economic migrants across the border.

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