In an interview with Mmegi recently, the spy chief claimed that the DIS through its intelligence was able to pick that the BDP will lose power this time around. “To be honest, we had the intelligence. But change is a good thing. It’s healthy for a country to have a power shift. Long periods of one-party dominance can stagnate progress. I’m pleased with the outcome; I’m happy to see the people's will be respected,” Magosi said. Magosi, who led proceedings as the power shifted from former president Mokgweetsi Masisi to Advocate Duma Boko was quick to emphasise that he serves at the pleasure of the President. “That’s the reality of my job. I’ve always known that. But let me be clear: I am not loyal to the man; I am loyal to the seat. I’ve always been that way. It’s the position of the President that matters, not the individual occupying it. I was loyal to Masisi when he was President, just as I am now loyal to President Boko. That’s how the system works,” he indicated. Magosi further pointed out that it is about the integrity of the institution. “The President, regardless of who he/she is, holds the reins of power. I’m here to support that power, to ensure that our country’s intelligence operations are running smoothly and that our national security is safeguarded. It’s not personal. It’s professional. I pledge my allegiance to the office — that’s where my duty lies,” he added.
With expectation that Magosi, who was appointed by Masisi in 2018 could be axed by the new president, the spy chief is nonchalant regarding the possibility of losing his job in the wake of a new administration. However, he acknowledged to Mmegi the realities of political power. “I’m not scared. Not at all, I serve at the pleasure of the President. So be it if the new administration decides that I’m no longer needed. It comes with the territory. The job is demanding, and when change comes, I am prepared to face whatever happens,” he said. Magosi also said the nature of his job is that he keeps his bosses informed about reality, and it is usually up to them to take his advice or not. In terms of working relationships, Magosi says his strategy is to let his superiors know about his weaknesses and strengths. “The more they know about me, the more effective we can be in our roles. I want President Boko to know everything about me. It’s crucial for our nation’s security. I have nothing to hide.” While some pre-election reports suggested that there could have been a bloodbath, Magosi dismissed this saying that they have always been confident that Botswana would uphold its peaceful traditions.
He said as an intelligence agency, the DIS is always on the ground, conducting assessments and gauging risk. “There were no indications that we would see a bloody election. Batswana are peaceful people, and we are known for our Botho and our respect for each other. Yes, there were political tensions, but violence was never on the cards,” he clarified. On his relations with Masisi, Magosi shared that he bid farewell to the former President and told him that he is now focusing on Boko. “I understand the perception, but the reality is that loyalty to the office ensures the continuity of governance. When I met with the former President this morning, we discussed how I would now work with him as a former President. I handed him the officers who will now work with him and told him I will now focus on serving the new President. That’s my job to adapt to the changes, to protect the nation through whatever leadership is in place,” Magosi highlighted.
Asked about DIS’ alleged interference in elections, Magosi said the DIS does not interfere in the process but we gather intelligence. “We will not actively be involved in the electioneering process; that we don’t do, I can assure you,” said Magosi.
