REGIONAL | Botswana Distances Itself from Khama’s Attack on Hichilema
Botswana’s Government has distanced itself from former President Ian Khama’s criticism of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, insisting that his remarks do not reflect the country’s official diplomatic position.
Khama, Botswana’s fourth President, recently questioned his Government’s decision to attend Hichilema’s inauguration following Zambia’s August general election, describing the Zambian leader as “Africa’s newest dictator”.
Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, defended the Government’s attendance, citing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
“We enjoy excellent diplomatic relations with Zambia, hence we attended the inauguration of President Hichilema,” Butale said in a telephone interview.
The minister acknowledged that remarks by a former head of state could attract considerable attention and potentially be mistaken for an official national position.
“Nevertheless, the views expressed by an individual, irrespective of their previous position in public office, should not be taken as representative of the policy or position of the sitting Government,” he said.
Speaking to Botswana’s The Voice newspaper, Butale warned that Khama’s comments could complicate diplomatic relations and damage the country’s international standing.
“We are alive to the fact that this could affect diplomatic confidence, complicate bilateral engagement and potentially undermine Botswana’s international image and credibility,” he said.
Butale clarified that Botswana was not engaged in discussions with Zambia over its election outcome, stressing that official foreign policy positions are communicated through authorised Government institutions.
He nevertheless defended Khama’s constitutional right to express his opinions, while urging former public officials to exercise responsibility when commenting on sensitive international matters.
Latest remarks highlight a distinction between the personal political views of former leaders and the diplomatic obligations of governments currently in office.
The People’s Brief | Hora Hanene
8 November 2026