The following lists events that happened during the 1990s in Botswana.
Incumbents
President: Quett Masire (1980–1998) Festus Mogae (1998–2008) Vice President Peter Mmusi (1983–1992) Festus Mogae (1992–1998) Ian Khama (1998–2008)
Events
1990
Namibia is established as an independent country to the west of Botswana, giving the country another route to the ocean beside South Africa.
1991
Sowa Soda Ash Works is established. 12,000 public sector employees are removed from their positions for engaging in strike action. Apartheid in neighbouring South Africa ends.
1992
March – Peter Mmusi steps down as vice president amid scandal. He is replaced by Festus Mogae. 3 July – A ruling is made in favour of Unity Dow in Attorney General of Botswana v. Unity Dow.
1993
The Pula Fund, a sovereign wealth fund, is established. The human rights group Ditshwanelo is founded.
1994
11 July – The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime is established following several corruption scandals. 15 October – The 1994 Botswana general election is held. The Botswana Democratic Party maintains its majority. 6 November – The murder of Segametsi Mogomotsi as part of a ritual killing prompts riots.
1995
16 February – The parliament building and downtown Gaborone are attacked by students.
1996
Universal pensions are established.
1997
The Vision 2016 economic plan is launched. Botho University is founded. April – Omang national identity cards are introduced. October – A referendum is held to create the Independent Electoral Commission, to lower the voting age to 18, to set term limits on the presidency, and to allow automatic succession of the vice president in the event of a presidential vacancy. All three motions pass.
1998
31 March – President Quett Masire retires. He is succeeded by Festus Mogae. 20 June – The Botswana Congress Party is founded by Michael Dingake. 13 July – Ian Khama becomes vice president. September – Botswana joins South Africa in an invasion of Lesotho to quell a military insurrection. The LGBT rights group LEGABIBO is founded.
1999
17 May – Yarona FM becomes the first private radio station in Botswana. September – A state of emergency is declared for six days following issues with voter registration. 16 October – The 1999 Botswana general election is held. The Botswana Democratic Party maintains its majority. The Botswana Congress Party had acquired seats from members that left the Botswana National Front, but it loses most of these seats. 13 December – The International Court of Justice rules that Botswana, not Namibia, has jurisdiction over Sedudu Island.
Deaths
1990 James G. Haskins, Speaker of the National Assembly 3 October – Bathoen Gaseitsiwe, kgosi of Bangwaketse and Leader of the Opposition 1991 Amos Dambe, politician and diplomat 1992 Englishman Kgabo, politician Gaefalale Sebeso, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly 1994 Elizabeth Pulane Moremi, regent of BaTawana 1 October – Peter Mmusi, vice-president of Botswana 1996 John Hardbattle, activist 1999 8 October – Alfred Merriweather, Speaker of the National Assembly
See also History of Botswana List of Botswana-related topics Outline of Botswana Timeline of Botswana
References