Botswana’s former President Ian Khama made a surprise return to the country after three years of self-imposed exile, appearing in court to face multiple charges, including money laundering and illegal firearms possession.
Khama, 71, had previously claimed there was a plot to poison him if he returned to Botswana, accusations dismissed as “outrageous” by the government. Upon his appearance in court in Gaborone on Friday, supporters greeted him with chants of “the general is back” as he exited the courthouse.
State prosecutor Ambrose Mubika expressed surprise at Khama’s decision to return and attend the trial. Khama, who served as president from 2008 to 2018, is not running in the upcoming elections, where his rival, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, is seeking a second term.
Khama has been openly critical of Masisi, referring to him as “the Botswana version of Donald Trump” and admitting that naming him as his successor in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) was a “mistake.”
During the court hearing, a magistrate dropped arrest warrants issued in 2022 after Khama had previously failed to attend court proceedings. Khama faces 14 charges, including handling stolen property, which he has consistently denied, claiming the charges are politically motivated. He is being tried alongside former intelligence and police chiefs.
Throughout his presidency, Khama was lauded for his efforts to diversify Botswana’s economy, which relies heavily on diamond production. However, his relationship with Masisi deteriorated after the latter reversed some of Khama’s policies.
The growing concerns about corruption in Botswana, particularly the awarding of government contracts to officials’ relatives, have added further tension to the political climate, according to polling company Afrobarometer.
Khama’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 23. He had been living in South Africa since falling out with Masisi and has stated that he funds his own private security, despite being entitled to state protection.
The former president, who enjoys flying planes, was reportedly barred from using the state fleet as his feud with Masisi intensified. Ian Khama is the son of Botswana’s first president, Seretse Khama, whose life was depicted in the Hollywood film A United Kingdom.