By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A court in Botswana on Thursday issued a warrant of arrest against the country’s former leader, Ian Khama, ordering that he should be arrested on sight for allegations bordering on possession of illegal firearms.
The former president who is believed to be in South Africa, had gone into a self-imposed exile in November 2021 after his rule. Mr. Khama left office in 2018 after two five-year terms.
The arrest warrant follows Khama’s failure to appear in court earlier this year. He is currently facing 14-count charges, including allegations of money laundering and handling stolen property.
However, the arrest warrant in only in relations to the alleged possession of five illegal firearms.
Under Botswana law, illegal possession of guns could lead to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
In the past, Ian Khama, the son of Botswana’s first President, told local media house that he would welcome an extradition request since it would give him the chance to expose what he called “lies and fabrications” by current president Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Khama had obeyed the ruling Botswana Peoples Party, BDP, tradition of handing over power to his successor Masisi a year to the 2019 general elections.
He however, clashed with Masisi months after stepping down over certain policy positions, and ultimately backed opposition candidates in the national elections.
