Intra-African politics don't always reach international news, especially in America. All we see are the wars, inflation and economic decline. Since independence, Botswana has mostly been immune to these situations. But that is slightly changing and I wanted to share it all with you.
We were not allowed to visit our sites because of the government strike that began in April. There have been some riots, as all primary and secondary schools have been closed. Unlike schools in the United States, all teachers are government workers, as are nurses at clinics and all hospital staff. This has created quite a conundrum for the government. The workers are striking because the price of goods continues to go up, but they have not had a salary increase in three years.
Hopefully, we will be able to visit our sites next week. There have been no deaths (although there are rumors of such), and we are all safe. So not to worry. But if you are interested in reading more, here are some sites:
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/InsidePage.php?id=2000035460&cid=517&story=Botswana%20strike%20closes%20hospitals
http://www.gazettebw.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9329:strike-paralyses-govt&catid=18:headlines&Itemid=2
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Botswanas-Government-Closes-Down-Schools-as-Strike-Continues--122029594.html
Just google "Botswana strike" and there is a wealth of information.
I will update again after I am able to visit Shoshong!
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