Botswana

Botswana Faces Global Backlash After Slaughtering 23 Elephants for Independence Celebrations

Botswana has drawn sharp international criticism after authorities approved the killing of 23 elephants to mark the country’s independence celebrations. Animal rights groups and conservation advocates say the decision undermines Botswana’s reputation as a wildlife stronghold and risks inflaming tensions over how African states balance tourism, conservation and local livelihoods.