- Saleshando says BNF has not asked for any intervention
- AP says BNF issues won’t affect opposition relations
LETLHOGILE MPUANG
The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) will not get involved in the ongoing disputes at the Botswana National Front (BNF) unless it is called to intervene, the vice president of the coalition, Dumelang Saleshando, has said.
The BNF is currently involved in a dispute with expelled member Gabriel Kanjabanga who is arguing before court that he is a member of the BNF in good standing and wants his expulsion overturned.
The matter is before High Court judge Michael Motlhabi where UDC president, Duma Boko, is representing the BNF. Boko is also president of the BNF.
Speaking to the The Botswana Gazette this week, Saleshando stated that while the matter could be a concern to the coalition, he believes it is very much under control.
“We are aware of the case but we have made it clear that every party manages its own affairs,” he said. “We cannot get involved unless they have reached out to us the UDC for intervention. It is a concern but there are no red flags. We believe that it is an issue under control.
They will be having their congress soon and if there are any issues, their members will give direction.”
Meanwhile, the Alliance for Progressives (AP), which is currently involved in cooperation talks with the UDC, says BNF issues are far from affecting working relations of opposition parties.
“Yes, we have heard but we are honestly not interested,” said AP spokesman Phenyo Butale. “Our focus is on cooperating as the opposition to end the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) dominance. We do cannot talk about another party’s internal affairs.”