Tanzania, July 21 -- Dar es Salaam. When Botswana President Duma Boko urged people not to remain in toxic, broken or unhappy relationships simply for the sake of it last week, he could have been describing the experience of Vivian Shuma, who recently parted amicably with her husband after 15 years of marriage.

Boko's remarks, made during an address to members of the Botswana Defence Force, sparked widespread debate across Africa.

Supporters praised him for addressing an issue often regarded as taboo, describing his message as honest, compassionate and timely.

Others, however, argued that his comments risked weakening the institution of marriage by encouraging couples to separate rather than work through their differences.

In his addre...