Botswana: Elders Rescue Motswaledi?

Sources say that BDP elders like Dr Gaositwe Chiepe and former presidents, Sir Ketumile Masire and Festus Mogae prevailed on President Ian Khama to bring back Motswaledi at a meeting on Friday. The meeting at the Office of the President was attended by BDP chairman, Daniel Kwelagobe. However, there was shock when they came out of the meeting to find that Khama has issued a statement regarding Motswaledi’s suspension to the government media. Khama’s statement was read on both Radio Botswana and Botswana Television after the Friday news bulletins.

Khama’s press officer, Sipho Madisa confirmed the meeting though he could not give details. “I was away on duty outside Gaborone on Friday. I can only confirm that Mogae and Masire were part of the delegation,” Madisa said.

BDP officials were not available to comment on the latest developments in the Motswaledi case. Sources informed the Monitor that a response from Khama is expected during the course of this week.

Last week, Khama suspended Motswaledi for 60 days and recalled him as BDP parliamentary candidate in Gaborone Central. Motswaledi is associated with the Barata-Phathi faction, which swept the stakes during the acrimonious BDP congress in Kanye.

If Khama reinstates Motswaledi as secretary general and candidate in Gaborne Central, it will be the second time the BDP rescinds a decision to recall a parliamentary candidate.

Last year, the old central committee ordered that the MP for Tonota, Pono Moatlhodi should be recalled from standing for the general elections. The MP was punished after speaking against the militarisation of the civil service in Parliament. Moatlhodi was only let off the hook after a hue and cry and massive support from his constituency. Just like in the case of Moatlhodi, BDP members are against the suspension and recall of the secretary general.

Mmegi Online