Former Botswana President Ian Khama has made a surprise return to his home country after nearly three years of self-imposed exile.
Khama fled in 2021, citing threats to his life following a fallout with his successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi. Khama, who now leads the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), is facing 14 charges, including illegal firearms possession and money laundering.
Appearing in a Gaborone court on Friday, his legal team, led by lawyer Unoda Mack, successfully had a warrant for his arrest set aside. Mack confirmed that Khama would continue to appear in court and comply with legal proceedings, stating, “He brought himself here; the warrant is quashed.”
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Khama has consistently denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated as part of a persecution campaign by Masisi’s government. Masisi, however, has dismissed these accusations, maintaining that Khama must face the charges.
Lawrence Ookeditse, the BPF's secretary general, described the charges as "bogus" and emphasized that Khama’s return marks the start of a determined campaign for the upcoming general elections on October 30.
Khama plans to actively campaign for his party actively, aiming to challenge the ruling Botswana Democratic Party and push for regime change through democratic means.
Khama, who ruled Botswana from 2008 to 2018 and handpicked Masisi as his successor, will face his next court hearing on September 23.
His return just ahead of the national elections has heightened political tension, with many anticipating his involvement in reshaping the political landscape.
This development intrigues Botswana’s political scene, with Khama’s re-emergence expected to influence the upcoming election campaign.
