Khama- Masisi feud divides Central District
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The standoff between former President Ian Khama and his successor Mokgweetsi Masisi is set to fuel tension among tribes in the Central District, Botswana Guardian has established.
Since their fallout in 2018 a few months after Masisi took the oath of office, no one in any of the country’s sectors was successful in calling for a ceasefire between the two leaders.
Elders within the ruling Botswana Democratic Party ( BDP) who were expected to be able to broker peace, having worked closely with the duo, also failed.
As their tension escalates, this publication has discovered that things are likely to take a nasty turn in the Central District. The situation has already divided tribes that fall under the GammaNgwato territory as to who to support as Masisi uses the government card while Khama uses the Kgosikgolo card to sway support. In a meeting held in Serowe recently, attendants led by Khama Royal uncles stated that they would do all in their power to ensure that their Kgosikgolo is respected and allowed to do what he is entitled to with his subjects. The Central District stretches from Makalamabedi to Dibete being the biggest District in the country. The meeting has suggested that meetings across the district be held to update people on what is happening in relation to Khama and Masisi’s feud. From the mood at the Kgotla meeting, one could tell this is a well- planned programme to put pressure on the government and specifically Masisi to bow to pressure to give an ear to Khama.
The attendants have called on all those in Central District to brace for the robust campaign for Khama whom they argue is being abused by some in office who are jealous of him as a result of being Kgosi with a birthright.
The meeting which was held against the instruction of Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kgotla Autlwetse was called to find a way forward from Morafe after Khama’s uncles failed to meet Masisi.
They indicated that they are now quitting trying to engage the president to meet them to try to resolve the standoff between the two leaders.
There has also been a call for the rejection of ripping off Central District from being a powerhouse by advocating for other tribes to be standalone and have their own fully- fledged districts so that they do not depend on Serowe as the hub for all the services in the central district. Botswana Guardian investigations have revealed that there would be resistance from those who believe they want out of GammaNgwato. The tensions boil down to tribal leaders as they are indebted to both the government and Khama as their Kgosikgolo. All the services for and by tribal leaders are routed through Serowe as the headquarters. The argument by some tribal leaders who spoke to this publication is that they have to respect the decision of the Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as their principal also responsible for their welfare, while at the same time, their tribes are of the view that they are indebted to the Khama Royal family. Both Khama and the government played a part in the post2019 general election by dividing the tribes with regard to the appointment of some Dikgosi. There are still areas and villages where the issues of Bogosi have not been resolved due to political influence. Some Dikgosi were unduly removed from their seats while others had their contracts renewed. These factors infuriated merafe in various villages. Those who have been favoured by Khama are expected to push such an agenda to allow for meetings to be held to spread the message for his support.
It is alleged that a new plan is being hatched on the approach, following the decision by the Minister of Local Government Autlwetse not to allow such meetings of a “private nature” to be allowed in a Kgotla.
Autlwetse sent the first warning at the Serowe meeting which resulted in the Regent Sediegeng Kgamane and other Dikgosi snubbing the meeting fearing being reprimanded.
The tribal leaders who feel hard done, according to sources, are expected to refuse to avail their Kgotla for meetings called on behalf of Khama. These are the leaders who were saved by Minister Autlwetse by either renewing their contracts or endorsing their election into office. While many believe that Autlwetse’s appointment as principal minister was for him to face off with the Khama’s the fact of the matter is he has been responsible for Bogosi under the ministry even at the time when he was Assistant Minister reporting to then Local Government minister, Eric Molale. These developments are expected to further strain relations between the tribal leaders who have not trusted each other on grounds that one might be loyal to either the Royal family or government. Power play according to sources in the district will take centre- stage further polarising the Central District. At the Serowe meeting, it has also been suggested that a Fund be set up to prepare for any unforeseen eventuality such as the legal route if BagammaNgwato and Khama do not get what they are demanding, being President Masisi meeting with Khama’s uncles to discuss the impasse and find a solution to the fight which has been dragging for four years now. Both Khama and Masisi have failed to disclose the nature of the dispute but rather have always become economical with their words.