Botswana’s Khama Criticises Successor

Former President of Botswana Ian Khama has publicly criticised his successor for his autocratic tendencies.

Despite being his chosen successor and former deputy, Khama has fallen-out with President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who took over leadership of the country and the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from Khama in April 2018. 

The former president has now departed the BDP and criticised Masisi for the “immature and arrogant” attitude of his government.

"The person who I nominated to be my successor, as soon as he took office became very autocratic, very intolerant and it has led to a decline in the democratic credentials that we have a reputation for," Khama is quoted as stating.

Khama has also criticised the reversal of specific policies introduced during his ten years at the helm of government, including a ban of wildlife sports hunting.

Khama’s father Sir Seretse Khama was the co-founder of the BDP in 1962 and Botswana’s first President post-independence.