BPF must get serious

The recent Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) congress has revealed a party that seems to be at a crossroads. On one hand, the party showed that it has the financial muscle to organise an impressive event, complete with new branding and facilities, free t-shirts, and catered meals. However, on the other hand, reports suggest that the party is financially strained and struggling to meet its obligations.

The congress was held against the wishes of the Ian Khama faction, with only one of the nine respondents in the court case showing up. This raises questions about the unity of the party, which is crucial if it hopes to win in the 2024 General Election.

While party president Biggie Butale emphasised the need for unity and called on members to re-instil the values that brought them together, the reports of members being brought to the congress with promises of food and free t-shirts paint a different picture.

Moreover, the absence of Khama, who was supposed to address party members telephonically on the first day of the congress, raises questions about the former president’s role in the party. While Khama has been a prominent figure in BPF gatherings, it seems that his influence is waning. The fact that the t-shirts given to attendees bore Butale’s face rather than Khama’s is a significant shift and could indicate a change in Butale’s leadership.

Butale’s commitment to the party’s founding purpose and his call for the BPF to work with like-minded organisations to prepare for governance are positive signs.

However, the party must address its internal divisions and work towards true unity if it hopes to win in 2024.

The court victory and suspension of some NEC members may have been necessary to address some of the dissension and turbulence in the party, but it is not enough.

The party needs to engage in genuine reconciliation efforts and focus on its common goal of regime change in 2024.

The BPF has the potential to offer a credible alternative to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, especially alongside the UDC, but it needs to address its internal issues and present a united front.

The congress, while impressive in its organisation, raises concerns about the party’s readiness for the upcoming elections. The BPF needs to work towards building a cohesive and unified party that can offer a clear vision for the future of Botswana.