The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been accused of using state resources to harass opposition leaders. During their press conference earlier today, Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) spoke in strong terms against this “oppression”.
“Masisi’s government has been aiming its lenses and state institutions at Former President Khama, UDC President Duma Boko, and his allies amongst others. These people are being harassed for not being BDP in short. They are being harassed for being leaders of opposition political parties. Their crime therefore is not belonging to the BDP. The harassment is very systematic, and it comes each time an election or bye election approaches, or it comes at a time when opposition parties’ leaders are mobilizing members across the country. Whenever a political pressure mounts on Masisi, he sends the DIS or BURS to tie the hands of his political opponents. This is typical of dictatorial regimes. It is a classic strategy of African dictators. Masisi is reading from their political playbook.” Caroline Lesang, BPF acting President charged.
BPF has in the last few days alleged that the “harassment and plot to arrest Khama” follows “a very successful recruitment drive” in Letlhakeng and Goodhope-Mabule recently. The party, which is has broke away from the BDP less than three (3) years back, condemns the recent raids on former President His Excellency Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, and Former DIS Director General Isaac Kgosi residences.
According to the party, the recent raids are just an excuse to harass the two (2). BPF is the view that owning a military uniform by a former soldier has never been a national security threat in Botswana.
“When has BDF uniform became evidence of threat to national security? Most if not all retired BDF officers have their uniforms and, in some instances, even pistols that the military gave to them as a token. It is not surprising therefore that a former official will have a uniform.” said Lesang.
The BPF have further warned the BDP against aggression and arrogance as the nation is already fed up, and close to reaching a breaking point. The party has called onto its members to be on standby for a possible march should anything happen.
