Petition to the Government of Botswana: Release of Tshepo Sethibe, End to Ritual Killings, and Suspension of National Elections

We, the undersigned, stand amidst the stark reality of fear and grief, witnessing the inhumanity that has become a deeply unsettling norm in Botswana. The gruesome killings of innocent lives, including children—who, instead of playing with gleeful abandon, live in perpetual terror—women, and men, have become a horrifying everyday spectacle committed for the purpose of ritual enrichment. This is personal to us. It is a cry for help echoing from the hearts of an anguished community, and above all, as human beings whose compassion can no longer bear the loss of precious lives.

This ruthless disregard for life is not just anecdotal; it is firmly rooted in the unscrupulous belief that human bodies hold the key to unimaginable riches and invincible political power. These misguided forces have now turned their targets on Tshepo Sethibe—a stalwart activist fighting against these heinous ritual killings. His rallying cry, "Moeladilotlhoko," rings out across our nation like a beacon of hope, yet he finds himself repeatedly caged, his equipment seized. His imprisonment and continued harassment are direct affronts to his relentless efforts for change.

The desolation left in the wake of our Government’s silence on these ritual killings points to the urgent need for their wakefulness. They must recognize the flame of resistance that burns brightly in our hearts and the hearts of countless others who align with Sethibe’s fight for justice.

In light of the government’s inaction, we also call for the suspension of the upcoming national elections, scheduled for October 30, 2024. It is our firm belief that no elections can be held under conditions where citizens are in a state of unrest, fearing for their lives while the government, including the President, remains silent. Before any national election can proceed, the government must prioritize the safety of its people by addressing the rampant ritual killings and restoring peace to the nation.

This petition is a clarion call to free Tshepo Sethibe and end the ritual killings we are forced to witness daily. We do not plead this cause in whispers but shout it out loud for the world to hear—the time is now. Lives depend on it. Lives that matter just as much as yours.

Let the world know the truth. Spread the word, amplify our voices, and stand with us in this fight for justice. Sign this petition and take a step toward real change.