Botswana Distances Government from KHAMA's HH Criticism

By Mwila Nsofu

Botswana's Minister of International Relations PHENYO BUTALE says former President IAN KHAMA's public criticism of President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA does not represent the official position of the Botswana Government.

In an interview with Botswana's TheVoice Bw.com, published on Friday, November 6, 2026, Dr. BUTALE said the country's foreign policy is determined and communicated through constitutionally mandated government institutions.

Dr. BUTALE noted that Mr. KHAMA's remarks could affect Botswana's diplomatic credibility.

He said the former President's statements have the potential to undermine diplomatic confidence, complicate bilateral engagements and damage Botswana's international image.

Meanwhile, the Inter-Africa Governance Network –AFRINET- has urged the Government of Botswana to engage Mr. KHAMA over his public criticism of President HICHILEMA.

In a letter dated November 5, 2026 and delivered to the Botswana High Commissioner in Lusaka, AFRINET Executive Director MAURICE MALAMBO said the move is intended to preserve the cordial diplomatic relations between the two countries, which has stood the test of time.

Mr. MALAMBO said Mr. KHAMA's continued public statements lack statesmanship and amounted to a violation of the principles and values underpinning international diplomatic decorum and relations between sovereign states.