The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and the Botswana Police Service (BPS) are facing a succession crisis only months before BDF Commander, Tebogo Masire, and Commissioner of Police, Thebeyame Tsimako, come to the end of their contracts, which were extended by 12 months last year.
The BDP succession crisis follows last year’s expulsion of former deputy commander, Major General Pius Mokgware, and the recent suspension of army second in command, Major General Otisitswe Tiroyamodimo, who was expected to take command of the BDF.
President Lt Gen Ian Khama last year extended Lt Gen Tebogo Masire’s contract by one year in an apparent attempt to give the army an opportunity to resolve its succession problems. The recent criminal charges against Major General Tiroyamodimo who was tipped to take over from Masire has, however, disrupted the succession plan.
The suspended Deputy Commander of Botswana Defence Force, Major General Otisitswe Tiroyamodimo, was expected to take over the BDF after Masire but he has a pending court case.
The Botswana Police Service also finds itself without a succession plan only a few months before Tsimako’s contract expires.
Tsimako’s deputies, Kenny Kapinga and Ikwatlaeng Bagopi, were allegedly advised by the president that they will not be promoted to the top post until they resolved their differences. It is feared that squabbles between the two may destabilize the BPS when one of them is promoted to commissioner.
The Acting Minister of Defense, Justice and Security, Lesego Motsumi, confirmed to the Sunday Standard that, “We have not identified anyone to take over the commandership of the BDF as well as that of Commissioner of Police.” Motsumi added that, “so far we are not eyeing anybody to lead the two uniformed forces”.
Indications are that government may have to extend Masire and Tsimako’s contracts again to give the disciplined forced time to put succession plans in place. Motsumi denied that they had already started talking to the two leaders about that possibility, but added that, “when the right time comes to approach them we will do so. I do not see any problem if the two can be given another term as long as they are willing to renew their contracts when approached.”
Motsumi added that if they decline the offer then something will be done to ensure that the two positions are filled up when the time comes, adding that it is not automatic that deputies succeed their seniors.
She also pointed out that there are some deputies who prefer to remain as deputies even when offered to take over.
Meanwhile, the minister said she was not aware of any alleged letters that have been given to Batswana who are serving as military attach├®s in foreign countries to come and serve in the BDF. There is currently a good number of Batswana who are serving in foreign countries.
