Khama: Opposition talks will collapse

In his crystal ball, Botswana Democratic Party leader, President Lt. General Dr. Ian Khama sees the opposition talks between Botswana Congress Party and Umbrella for Democratic Change deadlocking and eventually collapsing because of lack of trust between the two.

He told multitudes that attended party chairman Mokgweetsi Masisi’s 2014 general election victory celebration over the weekend in Moshupa, to emulate their Chairman and strike the hammer while all is not well in the opposition camp. He said contrary to media reports, allocation of constituencies is giving the opposition parties a headache as they are failing to reach an agreement.

Turning to Masisi, Khama encouraged him not to be deterred by people who record him when he recruits opposition party members and not to be bothered by the leaks of such tapes to media houses, because it shows desperation and panic that have engulfed the opposition. Khama praised Masisi for his hard work, saying he’s proven to be a thorn on the opposition parties’ flesh.

Masisi has been linked to various leaked tapes which discuss the fall of opposition parties. In the latest tape, some councillors in Gaborone were to decamp from Botswana Congress Party and Botswana Movement for Democracy.

The recruitment drive has been spearheaded by Masisi who is expected to become President when Khama’s term elapses at the end of March 2018.Khama said it is important for party members to channel their energies into promoting the party among Batswana and recruiting more people to join the BDP. He said only BDP members can save the party and ensure that it remains in power post 2019.

At the victory celebration, over 20 political activists were welcomed into the BDP fold among them councillor for Machaneng-Moshopha Ward in Sefhare-Ramokgonami Constituency Joseph Mafoko. Mafoko was retracing his steps back to the BDP after he had dumped the party for BCP. Former BDP youth wing leader Dithapelo Tshotlego who had also joined the BCP hit a U-turn to go back to the red enclave.