11 Aug 2022

Government has been advised to continue exploring more interventions to settle tension between President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor, Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama. 

 Maun traditional leaders said this at  a consultative meeting addressed by minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse. who apprised them on the issue and seek advice to end the spat.

They said  that continued tension between the two leaders was not healthy for the nation as it could destabilise the country hence the need to strive for permanent solution. 

Although they appreciated mediation efforts made so far, traditional leaders believed government should take the lead in ending the issue.

Failure to settle the issue, they  said would tarnish the  country reputation it has earned over the years ‘a democratic,peaceful and politically stable.’

“This issue affects us as a nation and I wish the government can find a solution because it seems the former president will never give up until granted what he wants. I urge the government to consider meeting some of his desires where possible,” said Kgosi Moeti Moeti of Boyeyi ward in Maun.

He however said that some of his demands would not be possible, such as the appointment of his brother as the vice president of the country.

Kgosi Kazuu Mbakareratsike of Bodibeng village thanked the minister for updating them on the issue noting that they were now well informed on what could be the cause of tension.

However, he suggested that government should take legal route if necessary adding that nobody was above the law.

Kgosi Manuel Nguvauva of Sehithwa wanted to understand if former President Khama advanced convincing reasons on his demands and proposed that if not, the government should locate him and engage in meaningful dialogue to end their differences.

Kgosi Judith Sedumedi of Sedie ward in Maun concurred that the issue needed attention as it had brought confusion amongst the nation. 

She said majority learnt about it through social media and thanked the minister for embarking on consultation with traditional leaders to clear the mist.

“We know the truth now and we appreciate that you followed the right procedure to seek advice,” she added.

Earlier, minister Autlwetse explained that the fallout of the duo dated back to 2019 after President Masisi ascended to the seat and his predecessor felt that his benefits were not provided for.

President Khama, he said demanded that his cooks be increased to five and requested 15 armed security guards amongst others. Also, the minister said the former president had hoped that President Masisi would appoint his brother, Mr Tshekedi Khama as his vice president.

He said he also hoped that he would be appointed the commander in chief of armed forces, something which had never happened in the history of the country.

Since the issue was fueled by social media, as cabinet, Mr Autlwetse said they took time to act accordingly because they did not want to be seen as if they were taking sides.

The issue, he said prevailed and resulted in the former president leaving the ruling party. “We realised that the issue was out of hand and has the potential to affect democracy and divide the nation.”

Mr Autlwetse noted that mediation efforts were made to reconcile the two leaders but proved futile. Furthermore, he revealed that since their efforts were not bearing fruits, they saw it fit to engage traditional leaders to solicit their ideas on how best to end the tension because the issue could also affect the country’s bilateral relations with other countries. ends