Khama snubs AU, Mma V left alone
Innocent Selatlhwa | Thursday January 26, 2017 18:00
With Khama’s aides saying he will be “busy” the Botswana delegation will be led by Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who will be punching above his weight in a roomful of Heads of State.
Yesterday, private secretary to the President, George Tlhalerwa told Mmegi that the President had “more pressing engagements” here at home and Masisi would vote on his behalf.
“There are a lot of pressing issues that the President has to attend to and hence the Vice President will represent him. The year has just begun and things have piled up. With the team led by Masisi and ministers who are capable, we believe they will do the right thing,” he said.
Tlhalerwa said even though he would not be present, Khama has been very supportive of Venson-Moitoi’s campaign.
“As a President, it would not have been easy from him to go around soliciting support. That is why he appointed former President Festus Mogae as a special envoy. The campaign team has his full support as they have been going around with a message from him around the continent,” he said.
Tlhalerwa said the support from Khama could not be doubted looking at the “capable delegation” appointed and the work they have done with the President behind it.
Local and even international commentators have cited Khama’s continuous non-attendance of continental summits as lowering Botswana’s impact on the international stage and a blow for Venson-Moitoi’s aspirations.
Since his rise to power, Khama has never attended an AU summit, often citing “pressing issues”. His critics have however pointed out that Khama religiously attends wildlife conferences and other similar meetings whenever called to.
The summit will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 30 and 31. Venson-Moitoi will battle it out with another top contender from Kenya, Dr Amina Chawahir Mohamed as well as three other hopefuls.
The Summit is expected to consider Morocco’s request to return to the fold, financing of the AU, report on the Continental Free Trade Area, the establishment of a special fund to prevent terrorism and others.