‘Unclean’ Khama unable to approach courts – Minister

A Botswana Cabinet Minister says former President Ian Khama can't approach the courts because he's a fugitive. Khama is trying to install his cousin, Peter Khama, as the chief of the tribe he's headed since 1979. He argues that he is the chief of Bagammangwato and is, therefore, entitled to select someone to act in his stead. Since last year, the former President has been pushing for the removal of his uncle, Serogola Seretse, as the acting regent of the tribe to make his cousin, Peter Khama, the chief. News24 reports that the matter is now in the courts, with the former head of state declaring that, as the designated and recognised chief through a process conducted on 5 May 1979, he has the right to choose his successor. Khama has been living in exile since 2022. He is understood to be in eSwatini, having moved from SA last year. In his opposing court papers, Local Government Minister Kgotla Autlwetse said Khama had been a fugitive since 24 February 2024 and was, therefore, ‘not entitled to invoke processes of the courts in Botswana’. He argued that Khama was ‘approaching this honourable court with unclean hands, and the court cannot be seen to be conniving with/and or condoning’ his conduct.