Lesotho Prime Minister's use of Botswana's presidential jet sparks debate

President Duma Boko defended the arrangement, stating it was an act of neighborly assistance due to Matekane's logistical difficulties. However, Leader of Opposition Dumelang Saleshando criticized the decision as an abuse of state resources, particularly given Botswana's current fiscal strain. Saleshando argued that using the presidential aircraft for a foreign head of government is not a normal occurrence.

The incident has reignited concerns about government spending on presidential travel, a historically sensitive expenditure item in Botswana, despite President Boko's framing of it as regional cooperation within the Southern African Development Community.