How friends became foes in Africa's diamond state

In Botswana, a nation rich in diamonds, a significant political rift has emerged between two prominent figures: the current president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, and his predecessor, Ian Khama. Once allies, their relationship has soured dramatically over the past few years. Khama, who served as president from 2008 to 2018, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with Masisi, whom he handpicked as his successor. In various interviews, Khama has described Masisi as 'drunk on power,' indicating that he believes Masisi has become corrupt and has strayed from the principles they once shared. This conflict is particularly relevant as Botswana approaches its general election, scheduled for just three weeks from now. Khama is actively campaigning for the Botswana Patriotic Front, an opposition party, in an effort to challenge the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, which has been in power since the country gained independence in 1966. Khama's return to Botswana last month marked a significant moment, as he faced several legal charges, including money laundering and illegal possession of firearms. He has consistently claimed that these charges are fabricated and politically motivated. During his recent court appearance, Khama appeared confident, but the future of his legal troubles remains uncertain, as the court will not reconvene until after the election. Botswana is often regarded as one of Africa's most stable democracies, with a long history of peaceful governance. The Botswana Democratic Party has maintained a stronghold on power for decades, but recent elections have shown a decline in their popularity. In the last election, the party received less than 50% of the vote for the first time, raising concerns about corruption, human rights issues, and economic challenges, particularly high unemployment rates among the youth. Khama's father, Sir Seretse Khama, was the first president of Botswana and played a crucial role in establishing the country's reputation for good governance. His marriage to a British woman in 1948 was controversial and led to his temporary exile. Ian Khama, the couple's second child, followed in his father's footsteps and became president. However, his administration faced criticism as the economy struggled to create enough jobs for the growing population, despite the wealth generated from diamond mining. After stepping down, Khama hoped that Masisi would continue to support his policies and maintain the party's direction. However, tensions began to rise when Masisi refused to appoint Khama's brother as vice president, which Khama saw as a betrayal. He also expressed concerns about his security and the erosion of democracy within the Botswana Democratic Party. In late 2021, Khama went into self-imposed exile, citing threats to his life. Masisi has dismissed Khama's allegations, calling them 'shocking' and suggesting that Khama is using them to gain sympathy. The relationship between the two leaders appears irreparable, and Khama is determined to help the opposition party end the BDP's long-standing rule. Despite the challenges facing the current administration, including accusations of corruption and economic difficulties, Masisi and the BDP remain in a strong position. The upcoming election on October 30 presents an opportunity for Khama to influence the future of Botswana, as he still commands respect among many voters, particularly in his home region of Serowe.