The Bushmen, one of the oldest tribes in the world, are being forced off their ancestral land in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana under a government policy of “relocation” to protect wildlife, especially the Kalahari Game Reserve. However, human rights organisations and conservation experts argue that the Bushmen’s sustainable hunting and gathering practices do not endanger the wildlife populations. Forced eviction could cause the loss of their culture, identity, and traditional practices, and the lack of access to traditional medicine and food could lead to health problems. The Bushmen have formed several organisations and legal action against the Botswana government to protect their land and have received support from international organisations and activists.
Bushmen, also known as the San people, are one of the oldest tribes in the world, with a unique culture and way of life. They have lived in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana for thousands of years and have relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. Today, the Bushman tribe faces a severe threat of forced eviction from their ancestral land, which they have lived on for generations. This article explores why this is happening and what it means for the future of the Bushman people.
Why are the Bushmen being forced off their land?
The Botswana government has been pushing a policy of “relocation” for many years. According to the government, the Bushmen are being forced off their land to protect wildlife, especially the Kalahari Game Reserve. The government claims that the Bushmen’s hunting and gathering activities are incompatible with the conservation of the area’s wildlife. In 1997, the government declared the Central Kalahari Game Reserve a protected area, and in 2002, the government began enforcing the relocation policy.
However, many human rights organizations and experts in the field of conservation argue that the government’s claim is not entirely accurate. To begin with, the Bushmen have lived in the Kalahari for thousands of years, and they have developed sustainable hunting and gathering practices that do not endanger the wildlife populations. The Bushmen are skilled hunters and rely on traditional methods that have been handed down from generation to generation. Furthermore, studies have shown that the Bushmen’s hunting practices have little impact on wildlife populations, and in some cases, their activity can even be beneficial for certain species.
It is worth noting that the forced relocation of the Bushmen has also been linked to economic interests, particularly in diamond mining. The Kalahari region is rich in diamonds, and the Botswana government has granted mining licenses to several companies, including the De Beers group. The Bushmen’s presence in the area may disrupt mining activities, and their removal could make it easier for mining companies to operate.
What are the consequences of forced eviction for the Bushman people?
For the Bushmen, eviction from their land means losing their way of life, culture, and identity. The Bushmen are a nomadic people who rely on the Kalahari’s resources to sustain themselves. As a result of the eviction, they may be forced to settle in urban areas, which could lead to the loss of their traditional knowledge and practices. The Bushmen have a deep connection to their land, which is at the center of their spiritual beliefs and practices. Being removed from their ancestral land could cause profound psychological and emotional distress.
Forced eviction could also have severe health consequences for the Bushmen. The Bushmen have developed a way of life that is well-suited to the harsh conditions of the Kalahari Desert. They have adapted to the environment and have knowledge of the plants and animals that can be used for medicinal purposes. Being forced to move to unfamiliar locations could lead to health problems related to the lack of access to traditional medicine and food.
What are the Bushmen doing to resist eviction?
The Bushmen have been fighting to protect their land and way of life for many years. They have formed several organizations, including the First People of the Kalahari (FPK), to advocate for their rights. The FPK and other organizations have taken legal action against the Botswana government, arguing that the forced eviction is a violation of their human rights. In 2006, the High Court of Botswana ruled in favor of the Bushmen, stating that they have the right to live and hunt in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. However, the government has continued to enforce its policy, and many Bushmen have been forcibly removed from their land.
The Bushmen have also received support from international organizations and activists. In 2010, the United Nations declared that the eviction of the Bushmen was a violation of their rights, and called on the Botswana government to stop the relocation policy. The international community has also been invited to support the Bushmen by boycotting tourism to the Kalahari.
Conclusion
The forced eviction of the Bushmen is a complex issue that involves environmental conservation, economic interests, cultural preservation, and human rights. The Bushmen’s way of life is at stake, and their fight to protect their land is far from over. It is essential for the Botswana government to listen to the Bushmen’s voices and respect their rights as indigenous people. It is also crucial for the international community to support the Bushmen’s struggle and call for an end to forced eviction.
FAQs:
Q: What is the Bushman tribe?
A: The Bushman tribe, also known as the San people, is one of the oldest tribes in the world, with a unique culture and way of life. They have lived in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana for thousands of years and have relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance.
Q: Why are the Bushmen being forced off their land?
A: The Botswana government has been pushing a policy of “relocation” for many years. According to the government, the Bushmen are being forced off their land to protect wildlife, especially the Kalahari Game Reserve.
Q: What are the consequences of forced eviction for the Bushman people?
A: For the Bushmen, eviction from their land means losing their way of life, culture, and identity. The Bushmen have a deep connection to their land, which is at the center of their spiritual beliefs and practices. Being removed from their ancestral land could cause profound psychological and emotional distress.
Q: What are the Bushmen doing to resist eviction?
A: The Bushmen have been fighting to protect their land and way of life for many years. They have formed several organizations to advocate for their rights. The Bushmen have also received support from international organizations and activists, including the United Nations.
