- Masisi lost his temper on a regional trip
- Some party members want his quick exit
- Rumors of spying hurt the BDP’s peace
- Worries grow about unity before the big meeting
Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi reportedly lost his temper on a recent regional trip, sparking worries within the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) after facing anger from some party members.
Party insiders say Masisi, who stays BDP President, got upset when he saw a faction openly testing his leadership and pushing for his quick exit. Things got worse when a few members insisted on bringing phones into gatherings, an act Masisi took as a direct test of his power.
In a heated speech, Masisi warned that he would not allow any moves to break the party under his watch. He singled out some people, saying they were swayed by party folks who promised them houses for loyalty. He also claimed that some past members of the Media and Global group were teaming with a former Member of Parliament who wants to run for the party’s top spot.
One of the most explosive moments came when Masisi accused a known party member from Mogoditshane of spying for former President Ian Khama. This claim caused an uproar among many who felt personally singled out by his words.
The clash that followed was big. A former BDP media and global group member, Kabelo Mhuriro, wrote a sharp note to Masisi, showing anger over what he called personal attacks. Mhuriro, who had rough ties with party heads, disliked Masisi’s style, calling his tours divisive and not helpful.
“Attacking and smearing people in these meetings only helps to split democrats, weakening the heart of democracy we aim to protect. Instead of small and personal gripes, we beg you to guard the party’s unity and the nation first,” he wrote.
He also said, “This hate you have for Mpho Balopi and those who think he can lead the BDP is very catching and harms the party. Those who rush to lie to you, did they not tell you folks now call you a leader who will not listen to the masses and would rather break the democrats to have his way?” he asked.
Meanwhile, new party Secretary General, Ngaka Ngaka, stepped back from the fight, saying he was not aware of the words linked to Masisi. “I am not aware of such remarks, but I can confirm we delayed the BOMASE meeting because of Mma Chiepe’s funeral,” Ngaka said.
The clash is said to have made party rifts deeper, raising fear about the next big party vote. Critics claim Masisi’s tough style might push away top members and weaken the BDP’s unity at a risky time.
People are unsure if Masisi’s anger was just a passing moment or a planned show of might. But one thing is clear: the ex-president stands firm as the party deals with inner trouble. As the BDP gets ready for its big meeting, members wonder if it can fix these cracks or if they will only grow bigger.