Was Khama the unseen hand that tipped scales in Balopi's favour?
In the arena of political intrigue and power dynamics, the recent Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Central Committee elections undoubtedly left many speculating about the mysterious forces at play behind the scenes.
Botswana Guardian has observed that as the dust settles and the victors bask in their glory, a captivating narrative emerges - one that paints the enigmatic figure of former President Lieutenant General Kgosi Seretse Khama Ian Khama IV as a silent yet formidable player in the political landscape.
Khama has said he has quit politics to focus on Bogosi and other national assignments. A kingmaker portraying the essence of a behind-the-scenes power play that may have had far-reaching consequences on the outcome of the recent electoral battle.
While many dismissed his influence ahead of the 2024 general election, Khama, a former Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) Patron, played a significant role in the overthrow of the BDP government.
With Maun serving as a backdrop to both the BDP elective Congress and the former President's strategic presence over the past weekend, whispers of whispered conversations and clandestine meetings have begun to surface.
Insiders, shrouded in secrecy and anonymity, suggest a covert alliance may have been forged, one that ultimately swayed the tides of political fortune in favour of Mpho Balopi. Balopi and Khama have always had a great relationship compared to Balopi’s relationship with the past immediate head of state and former BDP leader, Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The fallout between Balopi and Masisi resulted in Balopi, a political chess player of note within the BDP and by extension national elections, stepping down as Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, not seeking re-election as MP for Gaborone North, and not defending his position as the party’s Secretary General.
Balopi’s decision hurt many democrats, especially MPs and the Gaborone Region. During his time as SG ahead of the 2019 general election, Balopi was the first BDP candidate to declare that BDP would win the entire Gaborone Region, comprising five constituencies.
Balopi has made it clear ahead of the Maun congress that when speaking about reconciliation, there is no how Khama should be left out.
He explained that he will make it one of his assignments to ensure that Khama, among others, return to the BDP after the reconciliation talks and apologise to the former president and all those who were hurt or abused by the BDP government.
It is rumoured that within the hallowed walls of Maun, prominent BDP members found themselves in the presence of the ex-President, a man whose mere presence carries the weight of influence and calculation.
Sources close to the inner sanctum reveal that Khama, in his subtle yet commanding manner, may have used his persuasive charm to rally support behind certain individuals, including the eventual
victor, Mpho Balopi.
But the intrigue does not end there. Whispers of financial backing and strategic maneuvers abound, painting a picture of a master puppeteer pulling the strings from the shadows.
Khama is no ordinary citizen- his presence is even felt in the current regime, which many believe that without his influence, hard work and stamina to fight the opponent, especially the removal of
BDP from power, strategically targeting Masisi, the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change could not have secured victory.
Many believe he is one of the people whom the UDC owes gratitude. Many within the UDC have become uncomfortable with how he runs things, especially the Ministry of Local Government and
Traditional Affairs and the Ministry of International Relations, where his presence is deeply felt both on Bogosi matters and on international relations.
Reports from the Maun congress, which attracted multitudes of delegates, observers, interested (internal and external), and congress tourists, suggest that Khama's influence extended beyond mere words.
It is alleged that he provided financial support to key structures within the Serowe branches, solidifying his position as a kingmaker with resources at his disposal.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a heavily contested 2024 general election, one thing remains clear - the spectre of Khama looms large, a silent yet potent force shaping the political landscape in ways both seen and unseen.
With his maneuvers in Maun casting a long shadow over the electoral process, the question lingers: Was Khama the unseen hand that tipped the scales in Mpho Balopi's favour, or merely a spectator in the grand theatre of power and influence?
As the political landscape in Botswana continues to shift and evolve, one cannot ignore the looming presence of former President Ian Khama, a figure synonymous with power and influence. With Balopi's rise to the BDP Presidency, the murmurs of Khama's potential return to the BDP grow louder, especially as doubts emerge regarding his allegiance to the UDC.
The recent clash with Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, further fuelled speculation that Khama's support for the UDC in the upcoming 2029 general election is uncertain, leaving all parties eager to secure his sway in the pivotal Gammangwato area.
In the unfolding drama of Botswana's political saga, Khama emerges once again as the enigmatic kingmaker, holding the key to unlocking the Gammangwato electoral fortunes.
His strategic alliances and maneuvers have kept the political arena on edge, with every move he makes sending ripples through all parties vying for power. As the 2029 general election draw near,
Khama's shadow looms large, casting a veil of uncertainty over the potential outcomes and alliances that could shape the nation's future.
The dance of power and intrigue reaches a crescendo as Botswana braces itself for a monumental showdown at the polls. With Khama's allegiances hanging in the balance and his influence coveted by all sides, the 2029 general election promise to be a defining moment in the country's political history.
In this high-stakes game of chess, where every move matters, one thing remains certain - Khama holds the key to reshaping the political landscape, making him the ultimate kingmaker in a battle where the Gammangwato region's support could tip the scales of power yet again.
While the past regime under Masisi preferred decentralisation by splitting local municipalities to clip Khama’s influence, the former BPF patron managed to break through the walls and has since maintained after UDC took over, that he is the Kgosikgolo of Gammangwato territory and he will visit and address all his subjects in the jurisdiction which is the biggest in the country.
Balopi’s reconciliation agenda, if it bears fruit, could make BDP the biggest threat to the current government, which is already experiencing internal squabbles.