02 Mar 2025

Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS Act) is currently under review for purposes of addressing its accountability and oversight challenges,

Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa said in Parliament recently that expectations were that the review would result in amendment of the DISS Act of 2007 where the organ’s operational autonomy, accountability and oversight mechanisms including the Parliamentary Committee would be empowered.

Moreover, the minister said government intended to lobby all relevant stakeholders in addressing the DISS challenges in order to crown a new intelligence and national security paradigm and doctrine, ultimately creating a new national security culture that holds human rights at its core.

Additionally, he said he was to approach the Leader of Opposition, Mr Dumelang Saleshando in view of starting a conversation on how to make the Parliamentary Committee functional and effective, given that it plays vital role of oversight over the intelligence function.

Furthermore, the review should result in a trustworthy intelligence organ that always worked in the best interests of Botswana’s national security.

“As a government, we want an intelligence agency which follows best practices, uses all available resources and technologies to be at the forefront of averting the kinds of intelligence failures that can harm Botswana’s national security and interests,” he said.

Mr Mohwasa said all officers of the DISS, including its Director General were prohibited under section 16 of the DISS Act from engaging in political activities.

He however said he was not aware of any public political utterances by the Director of DISS, and that those with evidence pertaining to such were welcome to issue a complaint to his office, and he shall address the issue.

This was in response to MP Dr Gobotswang of Tswapong South’s questions in Parliament.

He had asked the Minister on whether he was aware that the DISS has at one point been termed a rogue institution that undermined operations of other state security organs such as Botswana Police and DCEC and the courts of law.

Furthermore he asked for the minister to specifically state if it was permissible for DISS director to make political statements in the public sphere.

Further, he asked if the ministry had any plans to amend DISS Act to transform it, restore its integrity and public trust. ENDS