A recent meeting between Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Fan Yong, and former President Ian Khama has sparked widespread controversy, with some Batswana questioning the move’s legitimacy and significance in the current political landscape.
On January 30, Ambassador Fan Yong paid a courtesy call on Khama, where they reportedly discussed bilateral relations and practical cooperation between Botswana and China. While diplomatic engagements with former leaders are not unheard of, this visit raised eyebrows, given that Duma Boko is now the sitting president after last year’s elections.
Some Batswana took to social media to express their skepticism, frustration, and even outrage over the meeting. Many questioned why a foreign diplomat would engage with a former president in discussions about international relations, arguing that such matters should be handled by the sitting government.
Why? Or is it a norm for former presidents to sit through meetings intended for strengthening bilateral relations with other countries? Kante go iragalang?
We are a Banana Republic with two centers of power
Stealing the spotlight, the return. Two presidents, one republic.
But we have a government to exchange opinions on bilateral cooperation. Why a parallel caucus?
Mr. Ambassador, you need to be recalled with immediate effect.
Others mocked Khama, calling him President at Large and Chairman of the country, suggesting he still sees himself as an active political player.
While some argue that the meeting was a standard diplomatic courtesy, others believe it undermines the authority of President Duma Boko’s government. Given Khama’s long-standing political feud with the former ruling party, his continued involvement in high-level diplomatic discussions has fueled speculation about his influence and intentions.
Neither the Chinese Embassy nor the Botswana government has officially commented on the backlash. However, the public response suggests that, for many, the optics of this meeting were highly problematic.
Was this a harmless diplomatic visit, or does it signal deeper political maneuvering? Let us know your thoughts.
