Ex-president Khama returns to Botswana ahead of polls

Botswana’s former president Ian Khama returned to his country Friday for the first time in nearly three years, as the nation gears up for October elections.

He made a surprise appearance in court to answer charges of unlawful possession of firearms. An arrest warrant had been issued for him in December 2022, while he was in self-imposed exile in South Africa.

Asked by journalists how he arrived in Botswana, Khama said: “I crossed into Botswana from South Africa, driving myself.”

His lawyer Unoda Mack said that as soon as Khama arrived in the country, he went to apply for bail at the Magistrate Court in the capital Gaborone.

“We were taken by surprise” by his appearance, said State Prosecutor Ambrose Mubika.

Magistrate Mareledi Dipate granted Khama an interim bail order. Khama is expected to return to court on November 23.

“I’m happy with the magistrate’s ruling,” Khama said, looking calm and collected as his security detail whisked him away.

As he left the court, his supporters chanted, “The general is back,” referring to his role as former commander of the Botswana Defense Force.

Addressing journalists outside court, his lawyer Mack said: “The state wanted him back in the country and now he is back. He is in the country for as much as he likes.”

Botswana holds general elections on October 30. President Mokgweetsi Masisi is running for re-election as head of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party.

Masisi succeeded Khama as party leader, but the two quickly fell out once Masisi became president.

Khama accuses him of authoritarianism in a nation regarded as one of Africa’s most stable and democratic countries.