We remain confident that the BPF will resolve its challenges – Mohwasa
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) says it will not get involved in the internal squabbles of its new coalition member, Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF).
BPF, the latest splinter formation from Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), has of late had its fair share of factional wars with the struggle for a grip on the top position turning into a muddy public spectacle.
The fight between the two factions has escalated to the courts of law with the Acting President, Caroline Lesang, dragging the founding President, Biggie Butale, and Secretary General, Tshekedi Khama, before the court of law.
The feud has also seen the party leadership communicating via press statements, an image that is likely to cause more dent to the already fragile peace within the party.
The party patron, former President Ian Khama, has distanced himself from making public statements on the issue.
In an interview with this publication, the UDC Head of Communications, Moeti Mohwasa, said that the UDC has a long-standing policy of not involving itself in the internal processes and contradictions within its affiliates.
Mohwasa said that they only get involved through invitation or request for intervention.
“Even where we are requested to intervene, we ensure that the affected parties accept or agree to our intervention. We, however, remain confident that the BPF will resolve its challenges. It is a big party and its members would not allow it to fail. Once it has gone through its current challenges, which we believe are surmountable, it will focus on helping us grow the UDC brand.”
Mohwasa noted that the opposing groups in the party have huge confidence in the UDC and, without doubt, regime change. He said that groups know that the UDC is the right vehicle to use in order to usher in a new government.
The UDC spokesperson said that they have a lot of respect for the BPF and that they look forward to working with the principled partner that they are.
“In the last two by-elections, which we won, when there was confusion created by one of our affiliates, the Botswana Congress Party, BPF showed commitment to principle, dependability and reliability,” he added.
The UDC met on the 6th August and its National Executive Committee agreed that the BPF shall, with immediate effect, become a member of the UDC with equal representation in the UDC NEC as other affiliates.
The two parties also agreed to establish working on the constitution and policies, among others.
