Mpho Balopi says his legal troubles have exposed divided loyalties within the BDP as the party weighs his leadership and restricts the use of its regalia at his court appearance.
BONGANI MALUNGA
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) president Mpho Balopi has acknowledged divisions within the party, saying his legal troubles have exposed fractured loyalties and a shortage of experienced voices to guide it.
Balopi, who faces corruption allegations from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), made the remarks at a regional party congress in Lecheng.
He struck a defiant tone as the BDP continued deliberating on whether he should remain its leader. The matter is still before the party’s central committee.
Divided Loyalties
Rather than signal an intention to step aside, Balopi told supporters he was prepared to confront the challenges facing him.
He said the BDP was going through an unusually difficult period, with fewer senior figures actively providing leadership than in previous years.
Balopi described a “wisdom vacuum”, suggesting the party was struggling to draw on the collective experience that had helped it navigate earlier difficulties.
He said the crisis surrounding his leadership had also revealed divided loyalties.
“This very difficult time that I’m facing as your leader has revealed who are the people that one can trust during the most difficult time,” he said.
Defiant Response
Facing pressure over his position since the allegations emerged, Balopi sought to project resilience.
“I have sacrificed myself when it wasn’t fashionable to do so. I am not scared of anything or anyone, they can bring it on. This party was not established to be a party of cowards, it was established to be a party of strong men and women who built this country from humble beginnings,” he said.
The BDP has sought to balance its internal disciplinary processes, Balopi’s legal predicament and the political implications of retaining a leader facing corruption allegations.
Regalia Restricted
BDP secretary general Kentse Rammidi said the party was still studying the situation before deciding its next course of action.
He said the leadership had resolved to prevent members from wearing BDP regalia when supporting Balopi at his scheduled court appearance on Wednesday before the Gaborone Regional Magistrates Court.