Botswana denies hosting a US military base at Thebephatshwa

Botswana just flat-out denied hosting a US military base, calling the whole narrative misinformation that could damage regional trust.

Thebephatshwa Air Base is fully Botswanan

• Spokesperson Tuduetso Mokgosi shut down the US base claims.
• Thebephatshwa is owned and run by the Botswana Defence Force.
• Mokgosi called circulating reports straight-up misinformation.
• The facility serves national defense and emergency-response needs.

Cross-border rumors raised concerns

• False claims were spreading through the media and political circles.
• Botswana warned that misinformation can fuel misunderstandings between neighbors.
• Regional cooperation and mutual respect got specifically emphasized.
• Commentators and media were told to verify facts first.