Botswana election: How ex-President Khama fell out with his protégé in Africa’s diamond state

In 2018, Khama handed over the reins of power to his loyal vice-president, Masisi, perhaps hoping that he could still have some influence, but things soon went awry.

One theory is that there was a gentleman’s agreement that Masisi would appoint Khama’s brother, Tshekedi, as vice-president, which he refused to do.

Khama began complaining that his security detail was being cut and that democracy within the BDP was being undermined.

Masisi also reversed some key policies such as a ban on trophy hunting and ended the scepticism towards having closer relations with China.

A year after stepping down as president, Khama then joined the newly formed opposition Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) telling the BBC at the time that the “democracy that we’ve been proud of in this country is now in decline”.

He then went into self-imposed exile in late 2021 alleging that there were threats to his life.

Masisi has batted away the criticism and earlier this year described the poisoning allegation as “shocking”.

“If you look at the history of either killings or murders in Botswana and the methods used, poisoning is not one of the ones we know best, but of late he [Khama] seems to be an expert,” Masisi told France 24, external, adding that the former president had nothing to fear.

Masisi also said that the arguments Khama has been using against the government and his leadership have been “a litany of inconsistencies”.

There is absolutely no chance of reconciliation between the former allies, and Khama is hoping to end the 58 years in power of the BDP – the party his father helped found.

There are opportunities to take votes from the government as the problems with the lack of jobs and the accusations of corruption have also dogged the current administration.

Furthermore, the former president still commands a lot of respect in the country, especially among the older voters and in his home area around Serowe, where he is paramount chief and where the BPF launched its manifesto at the weekend.

But Masisi and the BDP remain in a strong position, especially as the opposition is divided.

The 30 October poll offers an opportunity for the Khama dynasty to once again have an impact on the future of the country.