Botswana's stellar reputation could be damaged by feuding politicians ahead of elections in October
At first glance it is a personal feud. Mr Masisi has ditched flagship policies of Mr Khama’s, like the hunting ban. He has cut his predecessor’s privileges, such as flying on official aircraft. He has dismissed Mr Khama’s allies, including Isaac Kgosi, the intelligence chief. It is rumoured that Mr Masisi broke a promise to appoint Mr Khama’s younger brother, Tshekedi, as vice-president. But for all the elements of soap opera, the drama is deeply serious.
Botswana proved its doubters wrong. It has held regular elections, avoided civil war and developed into one of the richest countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Itsper person is $18,650, higher than South Africa’s and similar to countries such as China, Costa Rica and Serbia. Botswana, writes one historian, “stands out as a unique example” in Africa.
It has largely avoided the “resource curse” that has led mineral-rich African states to corruption and conflict. After diamonds were found in 1967 in Botswana the government enacted laws to share the proceeds and spend them on infrastructure and education. The partnership between the government and De Beers, a diamond company, predates independence; neither has taken the other to court. Botswana’s is a story of “well-managed good luck”, says Keith Jefferis, a consultant.
In some eyes Ian Khama’s moves repudiate his father’s legacy. Mr Khama is also the “paramount chief” of the Bangwato, who populate the country’s central district. Unlike his father, who stressed that chiefs and politicians must not mix their roles, the ex-president is using his tribal authority for electoral gain. “He is eroding our norms,” says one businessman. Mr Khama may consider that worth it. One-third of Botswana’s 57 parliamentary seats are in his district.
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