Solidarity demonstration as Bushmen’s case ends

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The Swedish ‘Network Leave the Bushmen alone!' held a demonstration today outside the Embassy of Botswana in Stockholm, in support of the Gana and Gwi Bushmen. The demonstration was held to mark the final day of arguments in the Bushmen's court case against the government of Botswana.

In a statement presented to the embassy, spokesman Johan Orlander said, ‘We wish to express our great concern at the persecution of the Gana and Gwi Bushmen. Many have expressed their desire to return to their land in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and lead a life of their own choosing.

‘Botswana has a reputation of democracy, but your government's forced removals of the Bushmen from the Reserve, and ongoing persecution of those attempting to return, are destroying this reputation. Under international law, the Bushmen have the right to own their land. We urge you to recognise and uphold this right and allow them to return freely to their ancestral lands.

‘We will continue to draw attention to the treatment of the Bushmen, to make the Swedish public, media and government aware of what is going on in your country. This will not stop until the Bushmen get their land back.'