Having left Botswana in December 2021, former president, Ian Khama has returned to his homeland.
After almost three years in exile, Khama returned to a country eager to see him, particularly in his home village of Serowe. One of his first orders of business is likely to continue a tradition he has long enjoyed: presenting gifts to children on Christmas.
However, his return is not only significant because of this personal gesture. It marks a historic moment in Botswana’s tribal and political history. Khama’s comeback also involves his assumption of the role of Bagammangwato Kgosikgolo (tribal chief), ending nearly a century of regency over the tribe’s chieftaincy. Khama’s departure from Botswana in 2021 was triggered by tensions with the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) over the handling of his weapons. He had been in a standoff with the government regarding how his firearms should be handed over to the authorities.
On November 8, 2021, Khama left Serowe, ostensibly to travel to Gaborone. However, reports suggest that his journey was altered, and he was instead taken to his farm in Tswapong before crossing into South Africa at the Martin’s Drift border. His usual security detail was allegedly replaced with private security, raising suspicions that Khama was leaving the country under the radar to avoid handing over his weapons. Khama denied the allegations of fleeing the country. In a statement to Mmegi, he dismissed the reports, calling them “hogwash”. He then clarified that he was simply travelling to South Africa, like many other citizens, and stated that he didn’t need anyone’s permission to do so. Khama then lived in South Africa and Eswatini, where he continued his political activities and public appearances.
Despite his time outside the country, efforts to bring him back to Botswana faced legal and political challenges. In February 2022, the High Court declared Khama a fugitive from justice, preventing him from bringing legal action while in exile. Justice Barnabas Nyamadzabo ruled that Khama had no standing in Botswana’s courts while he was deemed a fugitive. During Khama’s time abroad, tensions within the Bagammangwato tribe were rising. The tribe became embroiled in a conflict with the government over the leadership of their Kgotla. Khama’s supporters pushed for the replacement of Serogola Seretse, Mothusa Kgosi (Deputy chief) who was in charge of their Kgotla, with Khama’s chosen regent, Seretse Peter Khama.
This dispute led to several legal battles, as Khama’s supporters sought access to the Kgotla, which was restricted by the government. In December 2023, Khama and his supporters filed a case in court, challenging the government’s refusal to allow them access to the Kgotla. They argued that the Bagammangwato tribe had a right to select their leadership and that the government’s actions were infringing on their tribal rights. The case, however, was delayed due to procedural issues, and the government maintained its stance on the matter.
In April 2024, royal uncles and tribal elders from the Bagammangwato tribe issued a public statement after meeting with Khama in Eswatini during the Easter holidays. They expressed their concerns over the harassment and destabilisation of the tribe under then-President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s administration. They also criticised the treatment of Khama’s family, urging the former president to return to Botswana. According to royal uncle, Rasebolai Kgamane, the desire for Khama’s return was strong amongst the Bagammangwato people, particularly the elderly who longed to see him before they passed away. A week later, Khama filed a case against then Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse demanding the installation of his chosen regent, Seretse Peter Khama. The former president sought a court order to compel the minister to appoint Seretse Peter Khama as the new regent, replacing Serogola Seretse. Khama argued that the minister was failing in his duty under the Bogosi Act, which governs tribal leadership.
However, the case was complicated by the recusal of several judges. In June 2024, the judge initially assigned to the case, Justice Bugalo Maripe, stepped down due to conflict of interest. This was the fourth time a judge had recused themselves from matters involving Khama and the government. The case was delayed, and it remained uncertain whether the court would rule in Khama’s favour. In July 2024, as the nation marked the anniversary of Sir Seretse Khama’s birth, royal uncles and Bagammangwato supporters clashed with the police outside the Kgotla. The confrontation led to several arrests, and some individuals claimed they were mistreated by the authorities. The royal uncles had attempted to visit the Kgotla to clean it, in preparation for Khama’s return. They expressed frustration at Khama’s continued absence, stating that the Bagammangwato tribe was suffering in his absence. Khama returned to Botswana in September 2024 to face charges related to illegal possession of firearms and receiving stolen property. He had been accused of crimes related to his time in office, but in a surprising turn, the charges against his co-accused were dropped. Khama’s case was delayed further, and he used the opportunity to campaign against the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), led by President Masisi.