Botswana's Acting Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Mr. Amangwe Madisakwana, has issued a strong warning to Batswana nationals residing in the Middle East, urging them to exercise extreme caution amidst escalating conflict in the region. The Ambassador, who is also accredited to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, delivered this advice on March 2, acknowledging the ongoing hostilities involving the United States of America (USA), Israel, and Iran.

It is estimated that approximately 300 Batswana nationals are currently living in the Middle East, with a significant majority—around 200 individuals—based in the United Arab Emirates and another 50 in Qatar. Mr. Madisakwana stressed that routine activities, such as commuting to work or shopping, now carry heightened risks, advising citizens to limit unnecessary movement and avoid frequenting crowded places like shopping malls, as the location of the next strike remains unpredictable.

Sharing a personal perspective, Mr. Madisakwana recounted how the situation is intensifying, with air raid sirens, security alerts, and restricted movement becoming an unfortunate part of daily life. He noted the rapid changes in the atmosphere as developments unfold and emphasized the critical importance of strictly adhering to safety precautions, including seeking refuge in designated bomb shelters during alerts. He further highlighted the immense challenges associated with evacuation, as airspace to and from some affected areas has been halted, severely disrupting flights—the primary mode of travel. While various options are being explored, getting out of the Middle East remains difficult.

Beyond the physical dangers, the emotional toll of the conflict is profound. Mr. Madisakwana described the environment as "unpredictable and emotionally exhausting," where even during quiet moments, a sense of unease persists. Windows and houses rattle from explosions, and daily routines are repeatedly disrupted by escalating tensions. Although essential services like food, electricity, and water are generally available in many areas, uncertainty surrounding supply chains has unfortunately triggered instances of panic buying within some communities.

Despite these daunting challenges, strong community networks have emerged as a source of comfort and resilience for Batswana nationals. The Embassy has been actively engaging with counterparts from fellow Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, including South Africa and eSwatini, to explore avenues for sharing resources and regularly exchanging safety updates and information. Communication channels with Botswana authorities remain robust, with the Embassy maintaining constant contact with all nationals in the region through various active media platforms to ensure consistent messaging and provide necessary advice.

In his call to action, Mr. Madisakwana urged Batswana in the Middle East to remain vigilant, resilient, and hopeful for a return to calm, navigating each day with utmost caution and faithfully following the guidance provided by local authorities. Concurrently, Botswana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations has issued a press release advising all Batswana to avoid traveling to the affected countries and to re-route any planned travel away from Middle East airspace until the situation stabilizes.

For Batswana nationals requiring assistance in the Middle East, they are advised to contact the Botswana Embassy in the State of Kuwait or the Botswana High Commission in London, or any nearby diplomatic mission. Specific contact details provided include the Kuwait Embassy at +965 25396153, Charge' d' Affaires a.i Mr. Amangwe Madisakwana at +965 6968 8801, or via email at [email protected]. The Botswana High Commission in London can be reached at +447704665413 or [email protected].