Madisakwana advises caution as conflict escalates

As conflict continues to grip parts of the Middle East, the Acting Ambassador of Botswana to the State of Kuwait, with accreditations to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Mr Amangwe Madisakwana has urged Batswana nationals living in the region to exercise extreme caution. His caution comes amid ongoing attacks involving the United States of America (USA), Israel and Iran. Speaking in an interview with BOPA on March 2, Mr Madisakwana said there were approximately 300 Batswana nationals residing in the Middle East, with about 200 based in the United Arab Emirates and 50 in Qatar.

Therefore, he advised citizens to limit unnecessary movement, warning that ordinary routines now carried heightened risk. “Simple things like going to the shop or travelling to work now require careful consideration. For now, I am working from home.

They should avoid frequenting shopping malls and crowded places, as one may never know where the next strike may occur,” he said. Mr Madisakwana shared a firsthand account of fear, resilience and hope in the midst of growing uncertainty, noting that the situation appeared to be escalating as hostilities intensified. “Air raid sirens, security alerts and restricted movement have quickly become part of everyday life,” he said, adding that the atmosphere changed rapidly as developments unfold.

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He encouraged Batswana in affected areas to strictly adhere to safety precautions, including seeking refuge in designated bomb shelters during alerts. He noted that evacuation remained a challenge due to ongoing airspace closures. “Getting out of the Middle East is still difficult, as airspace to and from some areas has been halted.

We are exploring several options, but currently flights remain the primary mode of travel and these have been severely disrupted,” he explained. While authorities in affected countries have implemented safety measures such as public alerts, emergency response systems, and access to bomb shelters, Mr Madisakwana said the emotional toll of the conflict was significant. “Even when it is quiet, you are never fully at ease,” he stated.

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