BNF factions expose leadership weakness
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday November 2, 2026 06:00
The party, which has struggled to regain stability since its elective congress in Palapye last year, is once again under scrutiny following revelations at its recent policy forum. The gathering appears to have brought to the surface lingering tensions among members who have remained divided since the contest for positions in the party’s central committee. At the centre of the concerns is whether the BNF leadership has done enough to reconcile members, discourage factionalism and rebuild unity after a bruising leadership contest. The contest was characterised by allegations of dirty campaigning and attempts by some candidates to tarnish the reputations of their opponents. Internal divisions have raised questions over the effectiveness of the central committee in managing differences, particularly at a time when the BNF is expected to strengthen its position within the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The bickering is worrying party elders including former BNF president, Otsweletse Moupo, who has expressed concern over the continued existence of factions. He warned that temporary platforms established during leadership contests should not be allowed to evolve into permanent divisions that undermine the party. Moupo said the BNF constitution allows members to establish temporary platforms during central committee elections and when addressing issues of concern. However, he stressed that such arrangements are not intended to become permanent political camps within the party. “The BNF constitution accommodates temporary platforms during CC (central committee) elections and when issues are like this, or matters of concern.
“However, it also calls that those teams must be disbanded after those forums,” the ex-president said. According to Moupo, the teams that emerged during the contest for leadership positions, including those identified as the Stability and Tempele, should have been disbanded following the Palapye congress. He argued that the continued existence of these groups, whether through WhatsApp platforms or other communication channels, raises concerns about discipline and the extent to which members have accepted the outcome of the elective congress. Moupo warned that once temporary campaign structures continue operating after an election, they risk transforming into factions that compete for influence and weaken the authority of the elected leadership. “If those teams in the form of WhatsApp or any other forms still exist, it is indiscipline, and it has now become a faction,” he added. He said although competition for leadership positions is a normal feature of internal party democracy, the manner in which such contests are conducted can have lasting consequences for organisational cohesion
. However, Moupo said the party must draw lessons from the experiences of previous leaders and examine how they managed internal competition and maintained unity after elective congresses. “This is the time for the party to look at how the previous leaders were doing things,” he said. Moupo further urged members who lost the leadership contest to accept the results and embrace those who were elected to lead the organisation. He argued that those who contested against them should not be treated as enemies simply because they competed for the same positions. The former party president maintained that internal leadership contests should not descend into personal attacks, warning that dirty campaigning can damage the organisation long after the elections have ended. He said competition for party leadership should be conducted in a manner that preserves relationships and respects the individuals involved, particularly because members are ultimately expected to work together after the contest.
Meanwhile, State President and BNF president Duma Boko condemned the way Sefhophe by-election issue was handled by party leadership. “It is shocking that the party has 45 members in its database, yet we claimed that we wanted to represent the Umbrella for Democratic Change on the matter and claimed the ward was ours,” he said. “We are to blame, and I watched the matter as it unfolded. I hope you have learnt a lesson.” He also said the party leadership must also listen to the masses or the ground when it talks. “We are the servants of these people and they had voted for us. I am also your servant. When I want solutions or answers at times I will be forced to come to you. Let us learn to embrace each other. “The BNF is the one which gave me mandate to unite opposition parties in order to win over government. Therefore, I expect us to do better.That own its own, meant compromise,” he said.
He said compromise means at times giving out what one likes most in order for one to gain something. “I want you also to learn something from the previous ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the manner which they behaved, conduct themselves and how they respect their leadership,” he said. He urged his members to stop attacking each other openly and also in different platforms of social media.
Boko said members should debate constructively and advice in a way that could built someone. As the party seeks to restore unity and strengthen its position within the UDC, the central committee faces growing pressure to demonstrate that it can provide the leadership, discipline and direction needed to move the organisation forward.