The once-strategic alliance between former Botswana president Lt Gen Dr Ian Khama and current President Advocate Duma Boko has dramatically soured, with signs of deep personal and political rifts emerging less than a year after their joint victory over the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Initially bound by a shared goal to unseat President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the long-ruling BDP, Khama and Boko worked closely before the 2024 general elections holding meetings in South Africa, sharing campaign intelligence, and rallying resources.
Their collaboration helped deliver a historic win for the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), ending the BDP’s uninterrupted rule since 1965.
But by late 2024, cracks appeared. Boko and his ministers snubbed Khama’s historic return to the Bangwato throne, despite invitations.
Key pre-election agreements such as the removal of intelligence chief Peter Magosi were not honoured.
Deals involving Khama allies, including a P30 million Botswana Railways contract for Shadrack “Shaduf” Baaitse, were cancelled.
A diamond sales proposal linked to businesswoman Bridget Motsepe was also rejected.
Tensions escalated further when Boko indirectly criticised Khama at the funeral of former Agriculture Minister Dr Micus Chimbombi, prompting a swift and public rebuttal from Khama.
Insiders now suggest that the gloves are off, with speculation that Khama could back a different political party possibly even the BDP in the 2029 elections.
