Monamo in challenge to calm DIS storms
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday October 19, 2026 06:00
Since its establishment, the DIS has perennially suffered from low public trust, crisis of confidence over its handling of sensitive matters and repeated allegations of political interference.
The situation was particularly more pronounced during the tenure of the former ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Due to that set up, Monamo's appointment comes at a time when questions about the agency's credibility, effectiveness, accountability and adherence to its mandate remain central to public scrutiny.
While some believe his legal background could help him steer the DIS towards greater compliance with the law, others have raised concerns about his lack of intelligence operational experience.
Critics argue that he will need the support of seasoned and trustworthy officers to navigate the peculiarly complex demands of the position.
The concerns highlight the delicate balance Monamo must strike between administrative leadership and operational capability in an institution whose effectiveness depends on ultra secrecy and dark operations, away from a probing eye and a curious mind to safeguard national security interests.
Born in Serowe, Monamo is associated with the Makoloba family through his mother. He holds a law degree from North-West University and has been described by those familiar with him as a Christian, a humble individual and a good listener.
Despite that, his personal attributes and academic qualifications will be tested as he assumes leadership of an agency whose operations require specialised knowledge, sound judgement and strict adherence to the law.
A source within the agency's operational structures says the nature of intelligence work mean that officers were often assessed according to their operational output, including the collection of information and the execution of operations.
According to the source, Monamo's appointment is a positive breakaway from a tradition of appointing military officers to the DG position.
This pattern has over the years proved to be part of the disease than the cure. The fight that ensued between the two former DGs, Colonel Isaac Kgosi and Brigadier Peter Magosi is a case in point.
Monamo is therefore, not hostage of the baggage and egos of the barracks.
Furthermore, his legal background could prove useful in ensuring that the DIS aligns its activities with its statutory mandate, particularly given concerns about cases in which the agency's conduct has come under legal scrutiny.
'In terms of aligning the DIS, he is the rightful person since the agency has lost so many cases because of failure to align with the mandate,' the source within the DIS said.
'For example, former president Ian Khama and Tymon Katlholo cases, amongst others. Most work here confines with the law. If the new DG focuses on the job and does not use his power to target anyone, I believe he can succeed.'
Beyond legal compliance, Monamo will also have to navigate the agency's internal operational intricacies, where directors play a significant role in gathering intelligence and providing information to the DG.
The source explained that much of the operational work is handled by directors, who subsequently brief the Director General on developments within their respective areas of responsibility and issues.
Therefore, this structure means that the quality and reliability of information reaching Monamo could be crucial to his decision-making, particularly that he has limited operational experience.
Furthermore, the source raised concerns about Monamo's previous appointment as Deputy DG, claiming that he had been sidelined during that period.
The source said Monamo's immediate priorities should be holistic reforms aimed at adherence to the mandate, while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Operational issues such as recruitment, vetting, training and welfare should be given the requisite attention.
Further attention ought to be paid to instilling discipline, professionalism and institutional culture that fosters, good conduct and eradicate rogue behaviour.
According to another source, recruitment exercises conducted approximately three months before his appointment could present a challenge if the circumstances surrounding the appointments and the recruits' roles are not adequately attended to.
The source said the nature of the appointments remained obscure and raised concerns about the absence of a proper handover from the former director general.
Meanwhile, another source said Monamo's lack of operational intelligence experience made it essential for him to surround himself with experienced and trustworthy officers who could provide sound guidance.
The source warned that, without reliable advice, the acting DG could become vulnerable to confirmation bias, a tendency to favour information that reinforces existing beliefs or expectations while disregarding contradictory evidence.
'If not, he is going to be a victim of confirmation bias as feeders will give him information he wants to hear or what politicians, especially the ruling party, want to hear,' the source said.
The source added that Monamo is currently surrounded by individuals with operational experience, but cautioned that experience alone would not guarantee that the information presented to him was balanced, accurate or free from personal and political interests.
The source also pointed to Monamo's proximity to President Duma Boko, saying that some officers within the agency viewed him through a political lens.
'Again, his proximity to the President Boko, make him to be seen as a political extension of the latter. Livid examples of confirmation bias include but not limited to the P100 billion case and wild threats of possible assassinations against former President Masisi.
The source further cautioned that lack of operational experience and tradecraft leaves Monamo vulnerable to manipulation by more experienced operators.
Such concerns place the quality of internal oversight and the reliability of intelligence briefings at the centre of the debate surrounding Monamo's leadership.
Nevertheless, the source maintained that the acting director general could strengthen his position by drawing on the expertise of experienced officers, including those from outside the DIS.
In particular, the source suggested that Monamo could benefit from the involvement of seasoned officers from the Botswana Police Service who possess relevant operational experience.
The source argued that such expertise could help strengthen professionalism and neutrality within the agency.
The source also raised concerns about the influence of officers drawn from the Botswana Defence Force, claiming that former directors general from the military had contributed to factions within the DIS.
According to the source, broadening the range of professional experience within the agency could help reduce internal divisions and strengthen its institutional independence.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and a Diploma in Human Resources. As a dedicated human rights activist, Monamo has also contributed to various United Nations initiatives.
Monamo’s legal career began as a prosecutor at the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where he served for several years. During his time at the DPP, Monamo frequently found himself on the opposite side of the courtroom from President Boko, then a practicing defense lawyer, in what were often high-stakes legal battles.
In 2010, Monamo joined the law firm Duma Boko & Co., becoming a partner in 2014. Although he handed over his partnership in 2019, he continued to practice as an attorney at the firm.
Throughout his career, Monamo has been involved in several high-profile cases: Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) Basarwa Rights Case: Monamo represented four Bushmen accused of poaching on their ancestral land. In 2014, the court dismissed the charges, affirming the Bushmen’s right to live and hunt in the CKGR.