Unprecedented! President, predecessor clash in proudly stable Botswana
Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has used his first state-of-the-nation address to openly attack his predecessor Ian Khama, in an unprecedented clash in a nation that prides itself on stability. "Batswana are all aware that the transition from the previous administration hasn't been as smooth as expected," Masisi said in a keynote address to Parliament on Monday, using the term for the people of Botswana.
Have tried to smoothen the process, but in vain: Masisi
Masisi, who was hand-picked by Khama, took power in April when Khama stepped aside after serving the maximum 10 years in office. But the two men have since fallen out in a public spat that threatens Botswana's stable government reputation. Masisi on Monday said he had tried to "smoothen the process" by appointing senior politicians to negotiate with Khama but "their efforts have not borne fruit."
The reasons why the two leaders are at spar
As for the possible reasons, Masisi attributed it to Khama's retirement entitlements and pension. Khama has reportedly been enraged by Masisi's refusal to let him use government planes, while state media has been instructed not to feature the ex-president. The two have also battled over the former boss of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Isaac Kgosi, who was sacked by Masisi for insubordination.
Handover of power came 18 months ahead of 2019 polls
Khama, 65, has sought to employ Kgosi as his private secretary but has been blocked by Masisi. Masisi had served as vice president to Khama, and the handover of power came a full 18 months ahead of Parliamentary elections due in 2019. Both men are veterans of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has held power since independence from Britain in 1966.
Botswana is rated as the least corrupt country in Africa
Four Opposition parties have said they could unite for the 2019 election to try to unseat the BDP. Regarding Masisi's state-of-the-nation address, Khama's office wasn't immediately available to comment. Botswana, seen as an African success-story, has made good use of its lucrative income from diamond, beef, and tourism. It is rated as the least corrupt country in Africa by Transparency International.
