The central committee is reported to have held three emergency meetings since Friday to address the issue. Another crisis meeting has been called for today.
On Friday, the central committee issued a statement to warn its members not to attend the Barata-Phathi meeting on Saturday. The central committee warned of dire consequences for BDP members who attend the meeting. But the Barata-Phathi members did not heed the call as they attended the conference in large numbers. Some prominent BDP members who were at the meeting include Sidney Pilane, Kabo Morwaeng, MPs Botsalo Ntuane, Tawana Moremi, Gilbert Mangole, Wynter Mmolotsi, Edward Raletobane, Samson Guma Moyo and former Okavango MP, Vista Moruti. It was agreed at the Barata- Phathi meeting that a new party should be formed. Despite the threats he issued on Friday, President Ian Khama seems to be willing to smoke the peace pipe. On Saturday, he sent BDP chairman Daniel Kwelagobe and treasurer Satar Dada to negotiate with Barata-Phathi. Khama requested that Barata-Phathi send him a list of their grievances.
