Khama Refuses to Apologise to Zambia
Former president Ian Khama has refused to apologise for calling Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema “Africa’s newest dictator”, standing by allegations of political persecution and electoral interference.
“Why should I apologise for stating facts? Absolutely, I will not apologise,” Khama told The Botswana Gazette, adding that he has received many messages from Zambia thanking him.
The remark arose during a sitting of Ntlo ya Dikgosi, where Khama asked Minister of International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale whether he regretted Botswana attending Hichilema’s inauguration. Butale defended the attendance, saying diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries is necessary to influence dialogue and democratic processes.
Zambian figures want Khama to substantiate or withdraw his comments. Youth advocate Mukuka Kampamba demanded a public apology within 24 hours and called on President Duma Boko to intervene. Former Vice President Enock Kavindele urged him to respect Zambia’s sovereignty and produce credible evidence.
Nominated MP Judith Kabemba Nkonge called his intervention “reckless and unbecoming of a former head of state”, and State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka also criticised him.
Khama accuses Hichilema’s administration of persecuting opponents through arrests, detention, beatings, fabricated charges and interference with electoral and judicial processes.
These remain his allegations, which Zambian figures have challenged him to substantiate. He says human rights organisations have raised similar concerns.
For Botswana’s government, the challenge is to preserve engagement with Zambia without Khama’s position being confused with its own.
Read the full story:
https://www.thegazette.news/news/khama-refuses-to-apologise-to-zambia/
This man is an idiot.
Yes,he had similar bad blood with former President Masisi following which he went into self imposed exile in South Africa.He is not married and has no children of his own so he can afford to raise dust and run.He only just returned after Masisi lost power to begin insulting another leader
Khama you are a former President.Your behaviour is uncalled for and demeans your office…Shaaa!!