Former Botswana president Ian Khama has hinted at the possibility of quitting the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), APA can reveal here Monday.
Khama – who is a paramount chief of one of the largest tribes in the country, the Bangwato – informed his audience in his home village of Serowe that he was consulting them so that he can have their views on whether to quit the party or not.
The ruling party, which has been in power since independence from Britain in 1966, was formed by Khama’s father and the country’s founding president Sir Seretse Khama.
Khama said he was asking his tribesmen to give him the mandate as to whether to quit the party or not.
He asked them to consult other citizens of Botswana as to whether he should quit the ruling party or not.
He said he intended to quit the BDP because his relationship with the current president Mokgweetsi Masisi has broken irreparable over governance issues.
Khama also hinted at the possibility of supporting opposition parties during the up-coming general elections slated for October this year.
He said Masisi’s administration was ill-treating him, citing, among other things, the decision to reverse his policies while he was president and the refusal to provide him with aircraft when he intends to travel during local and international trips.
He added that his staff was also reduced and there are threats to prosecute him over corruption allegations.
Khama accused the current administration of harrassing citizens by eves-dropping on their cellphones.
KO/jn/APA