The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has abruptly suspended its much-anticipated mediation process aimed at resolving internal party disputes, citing new developments over the weekend.
In a statement issued Monday, the party leadership confirmed that the mediation talks, which were scheduled to begin the same day, would no longer proceed as planned. The initiative had been agreed upon last week by BPF Members of Parliament as part of efforts to restore unity and reconciliation within the party.
“Following our consensus last week… to seek peace and reconciliation through mediation… there have been new developments over the weekend that necessitate a pause,” the statement read.
The leadership did not elaborate on the nature of the developments, but indicated that urgent internal consultations would now take precedence. Party leaders said they would engage further with various representative structures in a bid to find a workable resolution within the week.
The BPF has in recent months been grappling with factional divisions. The dispute is understood to involve two main camps, one aligned with Lt Gen (rtd) Gaolathe Galebotse and the other led by Lawrence Ookeditse.
The BPF has in recent months been grappling with factional divisions. The dispute is understood to involve two main camps, one aligned with Lt Gen (rtd) Gaolathe Galebotse and the other led by Lawrence Ookeditse.
Going forward, the BPF said all official updates on the matter would be communicated through Mr Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo, who is reportedly liaising with both factions in the ongoing dispute.
The statement was signed by several BPF legislators ncluding Onalepelo Kedikilwe, Lesedi Leepetswe, Baratiwa Mathoothe and Franzel.
The leaders cited parliamentary commitments as potential constraint in resolving the matter swiftly but emphasized their commitment to stabilizing the party.
In previous statement, the party said; “In light of the current turbulence and unease in the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), the Members of Parliament of the BPF found the urgent need to intervene and seek peace and stability for the Party. Overnight we convened in Gaborone and agreed the following:
We appeal to ALL members of the BPF to please remain calm and to respect and support all efforts to stabilise the party and overcome current challenges.”
• That the BPF belongs to all members of the party without exception;
• That the current instability and divide in the party isundesirable and must be brought to a prompt end;
That having regard to the Constitution of the BPF, and as affirmed by the High Court, the Party must go back to the drawing board and work towards a proper Elective Congress; that the 2 camps led by Ookeditse and Galebotswe must be brought to a round table for mediation and reconciliation as a matter of urgency; that a team of mediators mandated by ourselves and accepted by leaders of both camps commences work on Monday March 24th 2026 to resolve differences and chart a wayford; That this assignment must be concluded within the shortest possible time to allow preparatory work for an Elective Congress or any agreed option to ensue;
• That on conclusion of the mediation process the mediators will report back to ourselves for us to issue a public update.
• We appeal to ALL members of the BPF to please remain calm and to respect and support all efforts to stabilise the party and overcome current challenges.”
