19 Jul 2022

The nation will soon know what transpired between President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor Lt Gen  Ian Khama.   

Dr Masisi told the media following this weekend’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) national council in Gaborone Sunday that he was ready to tell the nation what led to the feud between him and the former president.

The feud between the two started after General Khama’s departure from office which resulted in him leaving the BDP to form the Botswana Patriotic Front which contested the 2019 national elections and won four parliamentary seats.

President Masisi said despite their differences, he respected the former president and he would never derecognise him as Bangwato kgosi.

In addition, he said he would never deny the former president any entitlements including his pension which was approved by Parliament.

The president denied reports that he was after Gen Khama‘s life.

“That has never and will never be my intention,” he said.

On council matters, Dr Masisi explained that it could not be held the past two years due to the COVID-19 protocols imposed to limit the spread of the disease.

He said the BDP had emerged from the council stronger and was on track in the implementation of   its manifesto which had however been adversely affected by COVID-19 which hit the country three months after general elections.

The President said despite the challenges, his government was able to meet targets; chief among them saving lives.

He thanked the nation for adhering to health protocols despite the country going through the longest ever state of emergency.

He reiterated that his government would not tolerate corruption.

Turning to other issues, the President said despite recent increases, fuel prices in Botswana remained the lowest in Southern Africa because they were subsidised.

Dr Masisi acknowledged that high fuel prices could affect food production.

He further said government would announce new measures to help Batswana stay afloat  in the face of rising  inflation.

Dr Masisi was adamant that his party would win the constituencies it lost in the last general elections saying the majority of its members were swayed by emotions.

The President said the BDP promoted inner party democracy where everyone was free to contest for any position.

He complained that key positions such as secretary general and chairman remained in the hands of males.

“We encourage women to stand for every position,” he said.BOPA