FRANCISTOWN: Opposition politicians have returned fire after President Ian Khama hit out at them last week, calling them unpatriotic. "Khama is a crybaby and a spoiled kid. He has a tendency of thinking that he is more patriotic than the rest of us. He must learn how to speak fluent Setswana before he claims super patriotism," Botswana Congress Party (BCP) secretary general Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang charged yesterday. He added: "He must not forget that his citizenship remains controversial up to now. For Khama, when you criticise him and his government you are being unpatriotic. That is why he has deported hundreds of foreigners since he came to power, a decision that has tarnished the name of Botswana. He must learn to condone diverging views both from the media and opposition". He faulted Khama for attacking the private media and asserting that it is colluding with the opposition. Gobotswang said that the media has played a sterling role in exposing Khama and BDP's undemocratic tendencies. "If it was not for the private media, Batswana would not hear the voices that are divergent to those of the state. The views of the unions and the opposition parties would not be heard. If there was no private media, Batswana would be the most uninformed about their own country which is not good for a democracy. It is a well-known fact that Khama abuses state media to misinform the public," he said.
Gobotswana reminded Khama that there are draconian laws that have been passed by his government to make life difficult for the media. "If he feels injured by the media he should use laid out processes to seek justice," the BCP firebrand added. He said Khama's utterances are a ploy to intimidate opposition parties ahead of next year's polls."We are aware that as the general election season approaches and frustration sets in on the part of the ruling party, we expect more threats and intimidation. The BCP will not be intimidated. If he has issues with the BCP, we challenge him for a face to face debate with our leader at a time and venue of his choice," he stated.
