BDP retreat could heal divisions

While some members see the gathering as a crucial opportunity for renewal and introspection, others warn that it could further expose deep-rooted divisions if sensitive issues are not handled with political maturity. The retreat, scheduled for 28 February 2025 in Palapye, comes at a critical moment for the former ruling party, which is still reeling from its historic loss in the 2024 general election.

For the first time in more than five years, the BDP’s top leadership and structures will meet outside an election cycle, creating space for frank discussions about the party’s future. However, beneath the surface of optimism lies unease. At the centre of ongoing internal tensions is the question of whether former president Mokgweetsi Masisi and some of his close allies should be brought back into the fold in a more visible and active role.