AP, BNF clash in Molepolole
Alliance for Progressives ( AP) and Botswana National Front ( BNF). in Molepolole. clashed over two events scheduled for this week.
This happened Wednesday when BNF Kweneng Regional Secretary Arafat Khan distanced his committee from the AP event set for tomorrow ( Saturday). He said they would not be part of the event as their focus is on Ledumadumane East Ward by- election.
The AP in the region is hosting a thank you celebration for Bonewamang Ward in Molepolole South Constituency. Speakers at the event include AP President Ndaba Gaolathe and his Deputy Wynter Mmolotsi, Botswana Congress Party Vice President Taolo Lucas, Botswana Patriotic Front Secretary General Tshekedi Khama, and Arafat Khan among others.
“We wish to state that we have not received any correspondence from the Alliance for Progressives inviting us or our regional Secretary Arafat Khan to its event. Our structures in Molepolole South have also not received any invitation. The BNF Kweneng Region is busy in Ledumadumane by- election and preparing for the launch of the candidate by BNF and UDC President Advocate Duma Boko,” said Khan in a statement.
This annoyed AP members in the constituency who took a swipe at Khan in a WhatsApp Group where they argued that the AP event was longplanned in October 2021 before the UDC candidate launch, which according to them was only planned towards the end of last week.
The AP members questioned why the UDC did not plan its event for Sunday since they had long known about the Molepolole event. It has been contended that the BNF Kweneng Regional Committee should have approached the AP and had consultations instead of their Secretary rushing to issue a statement over internal matters.
UDC, AP, and BPF are currently in cooperation talks which are expected to be concluded next month. The parties have a Memorandum of Understanding for by- elections to work as a collective in the build- up to the 2024 general election.
Following the fight over the events, BNF Information and Publicity Secretary Justin Hunyepa said they have noted the letter from their regional structure.
“We state as a matter of principle that the BNF respects the AP as a registered and independent political organisation with its own constitution and right to organise activities independently, notwithstanding the by- elections MoU.
“The BNF has enjoyed cordial relations with AP and will continue to nurture this positive relationship towards a common goal of a united opposition front. We will engage the AP outside media platforms, as we have always done to cordially resolve the matter and ensure that we do not have a repeat of this incident.
“We believe that differences cannot be resolved through toxic engagements on media platforms, but through comradely party to party engagements,” said Hunyepa, adding that if they do otherwise, detractors will hijack and pollute the opposition unity agenda.
He said they regret and apologise for the confusion caused by the recent developments. The BNF commits itself to engage its partners with respect and collegiality, he said.