BDP retreat could heal divisions
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday February 9, 2026 10:00
While some members see the gathering as a crucial opportunity for renewal and introspection, others warn that it could further expose deep-rooted divisions if sensitive issues are not handled with political maturity. The retreat, scheduled for 28 February 2025 in Palapye, comes at a critical moment for the former ruling party, which is still reeling from its historic loss in the 2024 general election.
For the first time in more than five years, the BDP’s top leadership and structures will meet outside an election cycle, creating space for frank discussions about the party’s future. However, beneath the surface of optimism lies unease. At the centre of ongoing internal tensions is the question of whether former president Mokgweetsi Masisi and some of his close allies should be brought back into the fold in a more visible and active role.
Some members argue that reconciliation is necessary for unity, while others believe unresolved grievances could complicate efforts to rebuild. “Unity cannot be forced,” said one senior party member who requested anonymity. “If the party avoids confronting its internal problems honestly, this retreat may only deepen the cracks.”
In recent months, the BDP has witnessed the steady departure of some of its trusted and long-serving members. Several have crossed the floor to join the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), while others have chosen to step away from active politics altogether. These losses have intensified internal debates about leadership, direction, and the party’s relevance in a changed political landscape.
Against this backdrop, BDP Executive Secretary Ame Makoba has moved to manage expectations around the retreat, emphasising that it is intended as a consultative and reflective platform rather than a decision-making forum. “This will be the first retreat of the party in over five years,” Makoba said. “It is also the first national meeting since the 2024 general election loss where we are not focused on elections but on the party itself.” Makoba explained that the retreat follows the party’s elective congress held in May 2025, where the current leadership was chosen. He said the Palapye meeting is designed to allow party members to engage freely and exchange ideas without the pressure of immediate political contests.
“The retreat is not a decision-making platform,” he stressed. “It will come up with recommendations that will then be taken to the National Council and, ultimately, Congress for consideration.” According to Makoba, the party president will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for discussions. He added that veterans and former party leaders are expected to attend, a move seen by some members as a signal of inclusivity and continuity.
“All branches from across the country will be represented,” Makoba said. “This is important because the future of the party cannot be discussed by a few individuals alone.”
Key issues on the agenda include strengthening party policy, empowering party structures under what Makoba described as the “new political reality,” and taking stock of the current state of the country under the UDC-led government. “We are looking at how the party must reposition itself,” he said. “That includes policy clarity, strengthening our structures, and ensuring that our members are empowered to operate effectively in opposition.” Makoba was also quick to clarify that the retreat should not be confused with a traditional Kgotla-style engagement. “This is not Kgolagano,” he said. “It is a gathering to exchange ideas, to listen to one another, and to prepare the party for the future.”
Despite these assurances, some party insiders remain cautious. They argue that avoiding difficult conversations, particularly around leadership transitions, past disputes, and reconciliation, could undermine the retreat’s objectives. “The party cannot move forward without confronting its past,” another member said. “People are watching to see whether this retreat will bring healing or simply paper over serious disagreements.”
Political analysts have also noted that the retreat represents a test of the BDP’s ability to reinvent itself after decades in power. Once regarded as one of Africa’s most stable ruling parties, the BDP now faces the challenge of redefining its identity in opposition while competing with a confident and consolidated UDC government and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). Whether the Palapye retreat will mark the beginning of a genuine turnaround or expose lingering fault lines remains to be seen.