Traditional leaders have called for action against the on-going tensions between former President Ian Khama and the incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Traditional stated that there is a need to find an amicable solution to the long standing dispute adding that this has the potential to divide the country.
Paramount chief of Bangwaketse Kgosi Gaseitsewe Malope said the tensions between the two is disturbing and should be dealt with before spiraling out of control.
“This is an issue that needs to be attended to because it has been dragging on for too long. It is only best if we could hear them out and probably find a solution. We should also understand this issue has been happening for a long time now. It is getting worse by the day. Personally I feel there can be a solution to the matter,” said Malope.
He further said although he has not taken it upon himself to lobby other traditional leaders to see how best they can engage the two, it is however an issue that he will consider.
“I cannot attend to the matter alone, I need other traditional leaders as well to come on board but I guess our spokesperson being Kgosi Puso Gaborone who is our chairman will give direction in terms of what needs to happen,” added Malope.
For his part, Kgosi Lotlamooreng Montshiwa II of Barolong said there is need for the two to sit down and resolve their issues.
“They need to sit down and iron out their differences if there are any and we will intervene if need be,” said Montshiwa.
“I will not speak about the current whereabouts of former President Khama because I have no idea where he has gone to and to do what, so I am tempted to keep mum about the issue,” said Montshiwa.
He further said Khama has the right to travel wherever he wants given the liberties he has.
He also said no one has approached the traditional leaders to report the apparent tension of the two.
“This is an issue that we have only read about in the papers and no one has ever come to us, so it is difficult for us to approach them,” said Montshiwa.
He further said before traditional leaders can interfere, there is need for Botswana Democratic Party elders to engage the two.
“Khama and Masisi used to be party comrades and I think it is only advisable for that party elders intervene so that they can understand whether this is an issue that can be easily resolved,” said Montshiwa.
On the other hand, Kgosi Tshipe Tshipe of Mahalapye region who is also the deputy chairman of Ntlo ya Dikgosi refused to comment on the issue adding that there is nothing to report on.
“I cannot comment on the issue because I do not know anything,” said Tshipe.
