By Duncan Kgangkenna
Former President Ian Khama’s blue eyed boy Tshepang Mabaila has said that he is willing to broker a peace deal between President Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor.
Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph after Masisi had delivered his maiden State of the Nation Address, Mabaila said it was the duty of every Motswana to ensure that the ongoing feud between the two men is resolved.
In his State of the Nation Address, Masisi for the first time told the nation that he has tried all his efforts to bring peace between himself and Khama but failed. “Batswana are all aware that the transition from the previous administration has not been as smooth as expected,” he said.
Commenting on Masisi’s speech, Mabaila noted that “Reconciliation is a process and it will take time. The two leaders are supposed to be in the same boat working towards a common goal.”
Asked why he was of the view that he is the right man to act as mediator, Mabaila said “Khama is my friend I will play my part to bring the two together so that reconciliation is achieved. Everyone has to play his contribution in order to bring the two leaders together. I can assure you they will meet.”
It is not clear why Mabaila thinks he can convince Khama where statesmen like former president Festus Mogae, former vice president Ponatshego Kedikilwe and former ministers David Magang, Ray Molomo and Patrick Balopi have failed.
Masisi and Khama have been engaged in a war of words, going to the extent of exchanging remarks using media platforms in advancing their divergent visions.
Recently at a kgotla meeting in Serowe addressed by Masisi one Wame Rapitsinyane asked the President why there was a hostile relationship between him and president Khama. Masisi did not take kindly to the question as he implored Radipitsenyane who is a teacher by profession to use the right channels to air his views. Masisi who was divisibly shaken by Rapitsenyane’s comments during question time informed him that he should be not at a kgotla meeting during working hours as he was a teacher.
On Monday, Masisi informed the nation that he had assembled a team of elders comprising former president, Festus Mogae, former Vice president Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, former minister David Magang former speakers Ray Molomo and Patrick Balopi.
He said he will not break the law to accommodate Khama.
Instead he said Khama will enjoy all his benefits he is entitled to under law.
The nation is yet to know the true reasons behind the toxic relationship between Khama and his chosen successor. Currently reports indicate that Khama is unhappy with a number of factors among others Masisi’s decision to reverse some of Khama’s policies and his refusal to appoint former DIS Director Isaac Kgosi as Khama’s Private Secretary.
