Moswaane suspension sparks leadership rift
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday August 10, 2026 06:00
The controversy comes in the wake of the suspension of Francistown West Member of Parliament (MP), Ignatius Moswaane.His removal has fuelled speculation of deepening divisions within Botswana's oldest political party. The BPP leadership has dismissed claims of political victimisation, but some members insist the suspension is linked to Moswaane's reported ambition to contest the party presidency.
The MP’s criticism of decisions he believes contradict the party's constitution is said to have played a part also.
According to party insiders, Moswaane's suspension is the latest in a series of actions aimed at silencing dissenting voices within the BPP.
They allege that members who have questioned the leadership or expressed alternative views have increasingly found themselves at odds with the party’s hierarchy.
'The suspension has nothing to do with discipline. It is about eliminating competition before the elective congress,' said one source who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The source further claimed that Moswaane is being accused of creating divisions within the party by working closely with members of the BPP Youth League, some of whom have also reportedly been suspended.
'Currently, he is accused of forming a faction within the party because he was assisting the Youth League. Some youth members have already been suspended, and now he has become the next target,' the source alleged.
'The party congress has been postponed for a long time, and there are growing fears that it may not be held anytime soon.'
According to the same source, concerns have also emerged over proposed amendments to the party constitution.Some members believe the proposed changes are intended to prevent certain individuals from contesting key leadership positions.
'They now want to amend the constitution before holding the congress. Members believe the changes are being crafted to favour those currently in leadership whilst blocking others from challenging for positions,' the source added.
The allegations have heightened uncertainty over the future of the BPP's elective processes, with members questioning when the congress will finally be convened.
The party has postponed the gathering on several occasions, leaving many members eager for clarity on both the leadership transition and constitutional review process.
However, BPP secretary-general Mmantha Sankoloba has dismissed suggestions that the suspension is politically motivated.Speaking in an interview, she confirmed that the matter involving Moswaane was under investigation but declined to discuss the details.
'We are still investigating the matter. There is no truth in what people are saying, but I cannot divulge the details because the process is still ongoing,' Sankoloba said.
She would not comment on allegations that the party leadership intends to amend the constitution to disadvantage prospective candidates, maintaining that internal processes should be allowed to run their course.
Meanwhile, Moswaane has publicly confirmed that he has received a suspension letter from the party. In a post on social media platforms, the Francistown West legislator acknowledged the suspension but did not disclose the reasons contained in the letter.
At the time of publication, Moswaane had not yet been formally charged with any disciplinary offence, raising questions amongst some party members about the basis of the suspension and the timeline for the disciplinary process.
The development has intensified debate within the BPP over internal democracy, transparency and adherence to constitutional procedures.
Whilst the leadership insists disciplinary mechanisms are being followed, critics argue that suspending members before specific charges are laid undermines principles of fairness and due process.
Political observers say the unfolding dispute could have significant implications for the party, particularly if disagreements over constitutional amendments and the delayed congress remain unresolved. With the elective congress expected to shape the BPP's future leadership and strategic direction, members are likely to closely scrutinise both the disciplinary process involving Moswaane and any proposed constitutional reforms.
For now, the probe into Moswaane's suspension continues, even as questions persist over the timing of the disciplinary action, the fate of the postponed congress and whether the proposed constitutional amendments will receive the support of the broader party membership.