How friends became foes in Africa’s diamond state

Ian Khama, the former president of Botswana, has been vocal in his disappointment with his successor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, since their fallout in 2019. In various interviews, Khama has openly criticized Masisi, even going so far as to describe him as “drunk on power.” Following a series of criminal charges in Botswana, including accusations of money laundering and illegal possession of firearms, Khama left the country, claiming to be the target of a poisoning conspiracy. Recently, he returned to Botswana for a preliminary court hearing and remains hopeful, despite the escalating tensions as general elections loom just three weeks away.

The contentious relationship between Khama and Masisi sharply contrasts with Botswana’s image as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has held power since the nation gained independence in 1966, consistently winning parliamentary elections, although their support has been waning in recent years.

Khama, the son of Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama, became president in 2008. However, after handing power to Masisi in 2018, he quickly grew disillusioned when Masisi declined a supposed agreement to appoint Khama’s brother as vice president and reversed several key policies.

In late 2021, citing threats to his safety, Khama entered self-imposed exile. Meanwhile, Masisi has dismissed Khama’s claims, labeling the accusations of a poisoning plot as “shocking” and suggesting that Khama has been inconsistent in his criticisms.

As the elections set for October 30 draw near, Khama has begun campaigning for the opposition party, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), aiming to challenge the BDP’s long-standing dominance. Despite the BDP’s enduring strength, particularly among younger voters concerned about issues like unemployment and corruption, Khama’s return could significantly alter the political landscape, especially in his stronghold of Serowe, where he is still widely respected.

With the BDP’s 58-year grip on power at stake, the upcoming elections could see the Khama legacy play a critical role in determining the future governance of Botswana.