Mmegi

When ex-presidents throw spanners into statecraft works

Khama
Khama

The spectre of former presidents meddling in the political affairs of the State has become a tangible and increasingly problematic issue for their successors and governments. Currently, three SADC governments – Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia – face this problem, though with varying levels of statecraft disruptions. Mmegi Corresponent KETO SEGWAI looks at the albatross hanging around the necks of the sitting Presidents

In Botswana, the political disconnection with former President Ian Khama began at the advent of President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s tenure on April 1, 2018. The problem has since metamorphosed into a crisis, with Masisi’s administration disproportionately expending vast energy and resources in that fight.

Equally, some of Khama’s borderline ‘criminal and treasonous activities’ have increased, such as his recent campaigning for a trophy hunting ban law in the UK or his alleged attempt to disrupt State-to-State interaction between Botswana and Estonia. These activities are injurious to Botswana’s interests.

Editor's Comment
The Boko-led administration has to tread carefully

‘When you make peace withyourself, you make peace with the world’- Maha GhosanandaThis may come at a huge cost if not handled properly. What started off on Labour Day in Letlhakane this year, where Boko was in attendance when the militant lawyer-cum-trade unionist, Robert Rabasimane rebutted the President’s address in defence of the trade union has seemingly spiralled out of control. The issue is now creating a cat-and-mouse type of a...

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