Chronicle of a new dawn - Part 1

| Friday November 12, 2010 00:00

 

A year  ago, when the 10th parliament convened  in its  first session  following the general elections,  very few would  have predicted  the realignment of political  forces which today, for the  first  time  since the  founding of  the Republic, manifests itself  by  a representative of a breakaway  formation of the ruling party addressing  parliament as  Leader  of  Opposition.

The circumstances  that  led to the  genesis of the BMD (Botswana Movement for Democracy) are a matter of common  knowledge. The break-up of the BDP (Botswana Democratic Party) was inevitable the moment it dawned on some of us  that the fundamental values of the  organisation to which we had committed our lives, were falling victim to an alien doctrine of authoritarianism, persecution and exclusion. 

This set off a chain reaction of events  which culminated in party members having to make a choice between accepting the  status quo imposed on them, or  taking leave  to create a new dawn in the form of a  political home consistent  with  their  beliefs and values.  To us the formation of the BMD is the most eloquent example yet of democratic  expression, underpinned by the Republican constitution, which permits freedom of association. Amongst the many who took up association with the BMD are former BDP  stalwarts, unequivocal that they could not  accept the subversion of the democratic will as expressed by delegates at the 2009 Kanye BDP congress. Among those who form the ranks of  the BMD are former BDP members  who refused to stand aside in silence and  watch the  persecution of their compatriots because inaction is tantamount to complicity. Among those who today celebrate their new home are BDP members who say they   cherish above all else the principle of  inner party democracy, and in its absence they shall brave the frontiers of opposition politics.

l History will record that the 300 plus  Barataphathi members who gathered in Mogoditshane on March 20th 2010 are patriots who said they cannot allow their country to mutate into something they no longer recognize. They, and  none else have written their chapter in the book of posterity by  agitating for the formation of a new political  party. It is their resolve and fortitude  which subsequently drew over 4000  patriots to Letlhabile Primary School in the cold day of 29th May 2010, and who in one voice, vowed  never to allow their motherland, Botswana, to suffer a deficit of democracy, deterioration of good governance, extra judicial murders; corruption and looting, abuse of office, humiliation of civil servants, violation of human rights, erosion of personal and civil liberties and a culture of fear.  Hence  we chronicle a new dawn.

BMD has saved Botswana

* Barely seven months into our existence,  the BMD has brought a new dynamism, and reality to our politics. BMD is no longer  an offshoot of the BDP. It is a national project comprising Batswana from varied political backgrounds. It is most significantly a political home for many young  people desirous  of  change. Everywhere we go, the BMD draws massive crowds unprecedented in domestic politics because our message that Botswana ke wa rona chimes a bell with Batswana. 

We are proud that our formation has saved our beloved country. The immediate dividend is that the ruling party and its government are more circumspect in their actions. Humbled, the more  obnoxious actions are held in check.

We are proud the breathtaking  arrogance of power displayed by the administration that assumed office on 1st April 2008 is now muted because the formation of the BMD  has demonstrated that such deplorable conduct will result in public outrage and consequently give rise to a painful  political backlash. Our citizens, including those in the ruling party now breathe easier because the BMD is  here. So far, this has been the  most profound achievement of our movement; to ensure our country returns to some degree of  normalcy. Madame Speaker, the choice  we made was informed by the difficult circumstances prevailing  at the time.  We have  no regrets because we were left with no option.

That said, and to borrow from the newly elected leader of the British Labour Party, Mr  Ed Milliband, there is nothing joyful about  opposition. This moreso  for those who have  previous association with power. Consequently we have no desire to play an ornamental role on the opposition benches by being  the perennial bridesmaid to those in  power. We seek to inculcate a political  culture that  says  there should be  no permanent  opposition and no permanent ruling party. As BMD we see our role as a catalyst  for  the end of  Botswana's model of prolonged one party rule.

A responsible Opposition of Patriots

* Madame Speaker we have  no shame  in acknowledging   the  good the BDP government  has done for  the nation. We  have  no wish to engage  in dishonest sophistry  by  denying   the ruling party's   admirable track record of  achievements  in various  developmental indices since 1966 . After all we too are Batswana. We too love  our country. Indeed the writer Richard Stengel,   is correct  when he says  'true patriotism  is not owned by any party or person'. Let us advise that patriotism should not be  conflated  with  loyalty to individuals. 

Let  it be noted  that we  consider ourselves  a partner  in the development  of  our nation, and  do not regard the BDP  as  an enemy. Neither should the BDP see us  as an enemy.   In setting out the rules of engagement  which shall anchor our relations with the majority bench, let this nation  know  that we  commit  ourselves  to  being a    responsible opposition party, loyal to Botswana  and its Republican constitution. Abiding by  this  principle, where credit must  be given  for good work, we shall do so. Where  our  support is required  in  parliament for   bills and motions  we deem  in the national interest, it shall  be granted.

At all levels of governance we shall make  constructive contributions to  the advancement of Botswana. But, on the inverse  let this nation  know we shall  be  trenchant and uncompromising in  our  opposition  to  anything   that  seeks  to promote authoritarianism, erode good governance, abet corruption, assault   civil liberties, undermine the rule of law and  reverse  our  defining character  as  an open and  liberal democracy. As BMD we promise Batswana we will work in the public interest and be a force  for democratic good because we consider ourselves champions for a better Botswana.

* This role we shall play to our fullest ability because it is through our conduct as  a responsible opposition loyal to the country and its constitution, but at the same time vigilant and exercising fidelity to the national interest that Batswana will appreciate the  time is nigh for a change of government in 2014. History teaches us that prolonged tenure in power plants the seeds of authoritarianism, corruption, a sense of  entitlement and the false illusion that only those in power possess the wisdom, and therefore the monopoly to rule and any legitimate challenge to their hegemony is bad for the country. Contemporary history of  Sub Saharan Africa also teaches us that for a dominant  ruling party to  lose state power, it has to go through an internal split compounded by an underperforming economy.  This  pattern is at the centre of what scholars define as the third wave of democracy.

We saw it in  countries like Malawi, Zambia and later Lesotho. This country  is  now, finally  starting  to  conform  to the pattern  we have just outlined  that precedes loss of political power in Southern Africa.

A new generation heralds the 2nd Republic

* The shift  that  has saw a new party  emerging from within the BDP is also accompanied by the rise of a new generation of leaders in the opposition ranks. This development is consistent with the trend in many established democracies where a young generation of individuals in their late thirties to early forties are assuming the mantle of  national leadership. At  the last count, there were nine heads of state under the age of forty five across the world. Back home the ruling party was formed by Seretse Khama  aged 41 and Quett Masire aged 37.  It is only appropriate therefore to acknowledge the  leader of the BCP, mokaulengwe Dumelang Saleshando, the interim leader of the BMD,  mokaulengwe Gomolemo Motswaledi and  BNF leader mokaulengwe Duma Boko as trailblazers on the cusp of the new dawn  that beckons for our nation. The trio are persons of substance, possessing a common touch and the intellectual disposition necessary to take the country forward. They have come of age and it is from amongst their generation that the next leadership of our nation  will emerge when a change of government  ushers in the second Republic in 2014.

The faith Batswana of different political persuasions have invested in these sons of the soil is priceless and must not be in vain. It is through them that those within our polity who desire a change of government see hope. The opposition cooperation talks  which they have initiated together with Mr Whyte Marobela of the BPP are a clear statement of  their recognition of  this national  yearning for change.

This time around we in the ranks of opposition are supremely confident that the  cooperation talks will bear  positive dividends  because failure is not an option. Together  as the combined opposition we humbly  request the nation for support as we lay claim to the future.

Indeed as His Excellency opined on Monday, the will  of the people  was expressed in Tonota North. We congratulate the BDP, and Fidelis Molao on the  victory, but take solace in the fact  that  when the ruling party loses power in the  forthcoming polls, it will still retain some constituencies in its name. We call on Batswana to recognize that in the  life of any nation, political change is not only inevitable, but is also an imperative because every hour has its  time. After all in a democracy we all have an equal chance to govern. National Unity: Cultural rights versus Negative Ethnicity

* One of our most remarkable achievements has been the peace and tranquility  that have become a hallmark of our nation. In part this has been attained through the  harmonious relations between the various ethnic groups that make up the tapestry of modern day Botswana. So far we have achieved national cohesion by subordinating our different ethnic origins to a common identity and definition as Batswana.

This approach has been instrumental  in our country avoiding the unfortunate ethnic animosity so prevalent in some parts of our continent.

That we have managed to  make admirable developmental  progress owes itself to this state of harmony to the extent that one can venture that the vast majority of our diverse citizens are so integrated they now subscribe to a Botswana identityover any tribal attachment.

Let us by no means be construed as  suggesting that  the model  of  national building we have followed since attainment of self rule is perfect. It has its deficiencies. But so far it has worked, and relatively well for that matter. 

However in recent times, many of our citizens are finding cause to be disturbed  by sentiments and postures that might undermine our common nationhood as Batswana. It remains the duty of every citizen who still subscribes to a national identity to guard against  any drift towards separate identity which will only result in  the fragmentation of this country along defined ethnic enclaves and  instill a mentality of 'us' against 'them'. Every responsible Motswana must stand  up to be counted in the preservation of national unity. 

* We take this opportunity to appeal to all Batswana to  promote  a common sense of  belonging by subordinating themselves to a national identity.  If we ever entertain an ideology of negative ethnicity in the  name of cultural rights, then let us not be surprised if such posturing breeds resource tribalism where some will say any natural resources  found in their territories should be used principally  for their benefit. Let us not be surprised when  we  wake up to learn that some ethnic groups have banned inter marriages, and nay let us not feign surprise to awake to a situation in which only civil servants of certain ethnic groups are permitted in some territories so as to satisfy dominant ethnic affinities. 

These scenarios are not far fetched and should any be allowed to pass then we must brace ourselves for worse by  those  of a different mind and purpose who seem intent on renouncing the Republic  founded in 1966. As a constitutional democracy, we can never say certain cultural practices are superior to the rights bestowed on Batswana by the constitution. Even dispensing traditional justice must follow due process as laid out in our laws. We wish to reiterate our respect  for traditional authority and the good it has done for our respective communities. 

However as legislators we are custodians of the Republican constitution. The onus is on us to remind our citizens that the Republican state is supreme, because without the Republican state, disorder and anarchy will be the order of the day. We appeal to fellow Batswana to learn lessons from tragic experiences elsewhere  on the continent and declare that is not the road we want to travel.

By raising this  issue, we are doing our duty to preserve national unity and the very foundation of  our country. If  we do not stand, together  as one, to banish the spectre of our country's destruction, then let us not murmur any disclaimers when some day this country  is no more. If we sow the wind we will reap the whirlwind.

Rule of Law vs Extra Judicial Killings

* In the past two years our country  added a chilling word to its lexicon with the emergence of extra judicial murders. We witnessed an upsurge in the number of civilians dying at the hands of security  agents.

The spate of extra judicial killings bred  a sense of insecurity for many citizens  and tarnished the image of Botswana as  a country where the rule of law is observed  by arraigning before the courts all those who offend the law. We disagree with the  notion that because some of the victims were suspected criminals, their execution  is justifiable. 

That is not how civilized societies function, and any such thinking is an affront  to  our values. Only when the citizenry  and organs of civil society expressed outrage and condemnation did we see a stop to the gluttony of murder. We are relived that through the civic activism of decent  citizens, there is  now some respite to the  murders.

But that is not enough. For our citizens to feel protected, we call on government  to investigate all cases of extra judicial killings and prosecute the perpetrators. Though this will not bring back  the victims, their families and society as a whole  will find closure and live in the knowledge that the state adheres to the rule of law  and does not condone such reprehensible  acts.

Strong Institutions not Strong Men

* As Barack Obama has said, in the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success because they give life to democracy. Indeed Madame Speaker we need to keep reminding ourselves that certain institutions are essential ingredients for democracy and good governance to flourish.  

In the past some such institutions  that support our democracy and Republican constitution have come under fire from both the opposition benches and  sections of our polity. Some would say such criticism has  often been  made without a corresponding  appreciation  of the  good  work  the  institutions  perform in   discharging mandates  that cannot  by any means be said to  be easy . The Directorate on Crime & Economic Corruption  is  one  such  entity that  is consistently  on the receiving  end of  cynicism. In  something of a departure we wish to  commend the DCEC  for  the  work it has been  doing since  inception.

* Let us  take this opportunity to  salute the founding  director, Graham Stockwell, and ofcourse his successor, Tymon Katlholo for laying firm foundations. Though it has not been able to  eradicate acts of corruption and economic crime in their entirety   the DCEC  through  its public awareness  programmes, and investigations has  been indispensable  in  the fight against  this cancer. 

Its existence  has  also had a deterrent   effect  on those  with the good sense  to  know  not to be tempted. We  urge  the men and women  at DCEC to   lend even  greater impetus to  their  work. To augment  its awareness  programme,  we will call on DCEC to mount anti corruption  workshops for all public officers at regular intervals.

We  urge Rose Seretse to  remain resolute  in the discharge of her mandate. Show  no fear  or favour  in  your duties and we will reciprocate with  our support. But that  said,  and in order to  create the  ideal  climate  for DCEC to do even better, we  are considering  bringing a motion  to remove this  institution from  under the Office of the President.

We  have no proof  that  the  DCEC has been hindered in its operations on  account of this structural set up. We  however  have  a duty to  address  public  misgivings and perceptions that  such might be the case.

l Madame Speaker  we  wish to register our  concern at the  brain drain   from the administration of Justice.

Evidently there is  urgent  need to address  working  conditions and  as we now note from recent  media reports, the safety  issues  surrounding  prosecutors  handling  sensitive cases.

It is a matter  on which we belive  government   has  to  act decisively,  lest the DPP and Attorney Generals Chambers  are rendered  dysfunctional. Without wishing ill on any fellow citizen,  recent  high profile cases  in which the DPP  has  been prominent  have instilled public confidence  in the institution. We  take this opportunity  to  salute  the  founding  director, Leatile Dame  for  laying  a firm foundation. We wish  her well  in her  new  posting   on the bench. We note the arrival of Leonard Sechele as  the new director.

Notwithstanding the  controversy  accompanying his appointment, on  account of his DIS  background, we shall not pre-judge Mr Sechele. To him  we shall extend  the benefit of doubt that  he will   go about his  duties with  commensurate  professionalism and integrity. We  trust  the director  will  confound  public  suspicion and rise to his duties with  aplomb. We assure  him of our support if he  prosecutes without fear  or favour. For this we will give him due credit.  As a cautionary note, Mr Sechele must  be reminded that as an oversight  body  we will  be  watching him carefully.