Gov�t, BDF deny middleman in Gripen deal
Staff Writer | Friday June 23, 2017 18:00
Authorities have dismissed allegation that the Khama family company, Seleka Springs, which had dominated BDF tenders for decades, stands to benefit from this deal with Swedish arms manufacturer.
During his state visit to Sweden this week, President Ian Khama defended the acquisition of over P15 billion worth of Gripen war aircraft from the Nordic State during a press conference.
In response to a Mmegi questionnaire on the matter, the deputy director of protocol and public relations at BDF, Lieutenant Colonel Fikani Machola insisted the deal was negotiated between the army and the manufacturer. He said the government, through BDF, had been in discussion with several governments and aircraft manufacturers “with a view to evaluate the possibility of replacing of its equipment, to include (sic) aircraft”.
He added that, the army been dealing with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) “and therefore BDF does not have any agent. Moreover, the BDF does not prescribe to the OEM, whether or not to appoint any agents”. Government spokesperson, Jeff Ramsay also stated that there were no private parties involved in the procument.
“Please note BDF procurement is carried out by the BDF under the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security who are the appropriate people to direct any questions to. Consistent with what the President said in Stockholm, the Gripen is but one of the options for fighter jets under consideration, so its premature to talk of a deal at this point,” Ramsay said.
Last month, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) president Duma Boko petitioned the Swedish government over the deal. In a letter titled, ‘Botswana’s arms race in the midst of poverty, massive unemployment and social inequality’, Boko, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, stated that, “The President’s family has deep roots in the weapons trade. President Ian Khama and his brothers have, through their military supplier company, Seleka Springs, dominated BDF tenders for decades, especially during the time when he was commander of the BDF.
The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security once revealed, in an answer to a parliamentary question, that Seleka Springs, has acted as agents for several European companies for the supply of specialised military equipment, ammunition and spares”.