- Party factions defy Dr Molutsiโs effort as President Boko surrenders
- Fire in Palapye congress as Mohwasa-Modise v Motshegwa-Ramaotwana
- With dysfunctional structures, two teams scramble to capture delegates
- Buses hired, extravagant camp planned at Majestic for the other lobby
- JJ Matomela drops for a diplomatic post, Nsala drops for Parley counsel
The Botswana National Front (BNF) finds itself sidelined in its own internal affairs as party Chairman Dr. Patrick Molutsiโs efforts to broker peace and compromise have collapsed dramatically this week. With party factions entrenched in opposing camps, attempts to reach common ground have faltered, leaving the BNF a spectator to its own turmoil while President Duma Boko focuses more on the national presidency.
The party representatives from both factions convened at the BIUST campus in Palapye for what has become one of the most combustible debates. Cabinet Ministers leading the rival factions have transformed into bitter adversaries, locked in a struggle for control of the partyโs future direction. President Boko proposed a compromise to avoid creating permanent enemies, but the stark divide between the camps was evident. Moeti Mohwasaโs faction has vocally rejected the proposed arrangement, while Ketlhalefile Motshegwaโs group embraced the agreement, even submitting formal proposals to the negotiation team.
The two sides met last Sunday under Dr. Molutsiโs chairmanship, but the meeting yielded no progress. โThe meeting was held on Sunday with Dr Molutsi chairing, but there no decision taken in so far as compromise is concerned. The other team (Mohwasa) did not bring their proposal and they suggested that before compromise the party should talk about reconciliation which clearly showed their disinterest. Dr Molutsi then released both of them as it was clear that it is deadlock,โ an insider revealed.
There is a growing conviction that had President Boko taken a more proactive stance in the negotiations, compromise might have been achievable. โNo one would dare defy the president. But his silence on party matter has convinced some comrades that he might be sleeping with the other lobby and it creates problem which can make it close the temporary structures after the congress,โ said a source.
Meanwhile, both factions are intensively working across the country to register delegates. This scramble to secure loyalty could lead to chaotic outcomes in Palapye. โThere is a likelihood of something similar to Womenโs League congress in April where people might vote without membership cards. Motshegwaโs team has information on membership as he is the Secretary General and Ramaotwana his Deputy. They are the one who have been dealing with membership registration with one Tabona Masole, also in their team as National Organising Secretary alive to all the structures and what they prefer. Mohwasaโs team is out of touch but they are ready, as evidenced by their countrywide tours to convince every BNF member to vote for them,โ the source added.
Originally, it was suggested the party would cover transportation costs to the congress venue, but that has shifted. โEach lobby has already started to book transport to Palapye, the party will not be responsible for that,โ an internal source disclosed. โWe understand that a certain lobby has arranged for their camp to be in Majestic Hotel. They will set tents there and it promise to be something similar to BDPโs Dubai camp.โ
Among the rejected proposals was Motshegwaโs suggestion to forfeit contestation for the Vice President position, which was to have been contested by Ramaotwana.
Ramaotwana, the Correctional Services Minister and MP for Gaborone South, was poised to challenge for the party chairmanshipโcurrently held by Dr. Patrick Molotsi. Regarded as the most seasoned candidate, Ramaotwanaโs political rรฉsumรฉ includes serving as Youth League President in the 1990s, Deputy Secretary General, and former Mayor of Gaborone. His lifelong dedication to the party has earned him a reputation as a custodian of BNFโs core principles.
This scenario potentially paves the way for Moeti Mohwasa, a former party spin doctor and loyalist to both the BNF and President Boko, to assume the Vice President role unopposed. Mohwasa, who currently serves as State President Minister, works closely with Boko, and observers believe their synergy is exactly what the party and the country need.
Another simmering conflict, somewhat contained for now, involves Traditional Affairs Minister Motshegwa and Health Minister Dr. Stephen Modise. Negotiations had Motshegwa retaining his position as Secretary Generalโa role credited with stabilizing the BNF and securing state power. Party strategists emphasize continuity as paramount. Meanwhile, Dr. Modise, eager for the same post, is expected to settle for Deputy Secretary General, seen as a learning step before taking on the more demanding Secretary General role, given his relative political inexperience.
While the top contenders remain deadlocked, others at the margins have accepted the compromise. Owen Nsala (aligned with Mohwasa), who was vying for Publicity Secretary, stepped down reportedly to take up a counsel role in Parliament. Joram Matomela (from Motshegwaโs camp) also withdrew from the Deputy Secretary General race, linked with a forthcoming diplomatic appointment.
The BNFโs internal strife paints a picture of a party at a crossroads, struggling to maintain unity amidst competing ambitions and fractured leadership. With the congress approaching, the outcome remains uncertain, and the partyโs ability to heal these divisions will be tested like never before.
