BPF urged to introspect to achieve its founding agenda
The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has since its formation in 2019 been riddled with factions which have spent their time scheming against each other as well as expended resources on litigation.
Obviously these worked against its founding objectives which were to remove President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party government which has been in power since independence. It is significant to recall that BPF was formed as a result of a fallout between the then just-retired President of Botswana, Ian Khama who had been the leader of the ruling BDP, and his successor, President Masisi.
The separation was not about any ideological differences but about personal squabbles where Khama felt betrayed by Masisi after the latter took over power. Speculation had always pinned the blame for the impasse on Masisi's refusal to follow up on a promise made to make Ian's younger brother Tshekedi the country's Vice President. This would later be confirmed when Local Government Minister Kgotla Autlwetse opened up to royal elders in Gammangwato, Khama's tribe. Four years in existence, the BPF is still riddled with factions to the detriment of its founding objectives. The party factions have been to court twice and will be going back soon for a pending matter.
All this is to the detriment of its founding objectives, key of which was the removal of the Masisi-led government that Khama now accuses of abuse of power, corruption, intolerance and undemocratic practices.
Political scientist, Adam Mfundisi calls upon the BPF to introspect if it hopes to achieve its founding objectives. “The party must introspect and shed off its dependence on SKI in order to have a wide appeal to voters beyond Serowe and its surroundings,” the academic said.
His observation is that much needs to be done to stabilise the party before the 2024 general elections. Furthermore, the party must democratise its functions and operations.
“Political factionalism must be minimised to shed off bad publicity which affects the growth of the party. If it enters the UDC in its perilous state, it will not add much value,” Mfundisi warned.
He further posits in an interview that the way a political formation is created determines to some extent its success or failure on its journey to competitiveness.
According to Mfundisi, “Ian Khama was instrumental in the formation of the BPF and became the Godfather under the euphemistic title of 'Patron.' SKI was the brain behind the BPF’s growth in the Serowe village and its environs.”
The academic who said the BPF was hurriedly formed towards the 2019 general elections to enable its candidates to compete in the elections, also opines that, “The BPF is a product of factionalism and rivalry within the BDP and amongst its leadership.” He also observes that Khama remains the driver and shaker of BPF politics.
“Therefore, the BPF has had no in-depth examination of its vision, philosophy, ideology, mission, strategy, goal and objectives. The self-exile of the Godfather and his siblings contribute to political squabbles within the party. Strategic leadership matters in the political stability of any organisation more so a political outfit,” the political scientist lectured.
Moreover, Mfundisi's view is that Khama’s interference in the leadership contest and management of the party fuels factionalism within the BPF.
“All in all, the instability of the party is a result of a combination of factors. I do not subscribe to political rhetoric and propaganda perpetuated by the enemies of Khama and the BPF. Mfundisi argues that the fact that the BPF was founded in Serowe must not be associated with tribal politics.
“There is no conclusive evidence that the BPF is a product of tribalism on account of having been founded in Serowe. After all, the BDP, itself was founded in Serowe and has been dominated by Bangwato since independence.
“The party has also been led by Bangwato since inception. Ironically, every election, we hear tribalistic rhetoric emanating from the ruling party. The last elections in 2019, President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the BDP exploited the tribal card particularly in the southern side of the country,” Mfundisi said.
The result, according to him, is that tribal sentiments appealed to some sections of the population particularly, the ruling class.
“The BDP elite must be blamed for fueling tribal politics where it suits them and now they blame others for something they have always perpetuated for decades. This narrative of SKI being autocratic and power hungry is somewhat disingenuous,” the academic charged.
In his view, there is no difference between former President, Khama and President Masisi in terms of leadership traits. He says every politician envies power and power can be toxic and pervasive. Politics is about power and power relations among society. The Constitution of Botswana, according to Mfundisi, creates autocrats.