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Saturday, 23 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 23 May 2026
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Botswanan press · Organization

Botswana Democratic Party

Also known as: BDP

Botswana Democratic Party — ruling political party that lost government control in the 2024 general elections after nearly six decades.

2026-05-122026-05-23

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026
  2. Former president Festus Mogae dies at age 86

    1. Although Mogae died as a loyal member of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), the former ruling party’s members stunned mourners by openly praising President Duma Boko's accord for the late statesman's dignified State funeral, despite political differences.For many observers, the

      Mmegi

      Political rivals unite at Mogae’s burial
    2. Mmusi was also the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) chairman. He resigned all his positions in government and in the party to clear his name.

      Botswana Sunday Standard

      The nation bids Festus Mogae farewell
  3. Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi opened up this week about the forces, both outside and within his party, that led to his stunning defeat in the 2024 general elections, which saw the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lose control of the government for the first time in nearly six

    Weekend Post

    Masisi reflects on losing power
Politics

BDP politician Seretse refuses intimidation in party politics

The News

Within the BDP, Seretse has fought numerous political battles, distinguished by her refusal to be intimidated by pressure from within party structures or the public. The article notes that unlike many politicians who soften their voices, Seretse has consistently chosen blunt honesty over silence.

Why it matters

Profile of BDP politician Seretse's refusal to bow to party intimidation illustrates character and internal party struggles relevant to governance and leadership.

22 hours ago · Mmegi

Yesterday

  1. BDP politician Seretse refuses intimidation in party politics

    Within the BDP, Seretse has fought numerous political battles, distinguished by her refusal to be intimidated by pressure from within party structures or the public. The article notes that unlike many politicians who soften their voices, Seretse has consistently chosen blunt honesty over silence.

    22 hours ago · Mmegi

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Festus Mogae entered presidency as technocrat amid factional tension

    On 1 April 1998, Festus Mogae succeeded Sir Ketumile Masire as president of Botswana, entering the role as a respected technocrat but uncertain politician surrounded by rivals and factional intrigue.

    20 May 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Kgafela misses May 21 deadline for Botswana return

    Kgafela, who had announced a May 2030 return date in May 2024, will miss the May 21 deadline he had set. In a December 2024 virtual address to Bakgatla at Mochudi Kgotla, he stated he was now able to visit Botswana before his previously announced date, following the downfall of the Botswana Democratic Party.

    20 May 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Seakgosing remembered for humility and public service

    Speakers at Seakgosing's funeral paid tribute to his grounded character and dedication to serving people with humility despite his achievements as a diplomat, government official, and Member of Parliament for Thamaga.

    20 May 2026 · Mmegi

  4. Political leaders unite to honour Mogae at State funeral

    Leaders from across Botswana's political divide set aside rivalry to honour former president Mogae at his State funeral. Former cabinet minister Tebelelo Seretse publicly thanked President Duma Boko for the dignified send-off, describing it as a meaningful gesture for the BDP despite ongoing political differences.

    20 May 2026 · Mmegi

Monday 18 May

  1. Former president Festus Mogae dies at age 86

    Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who served as Botswana's president for two terms starting in 1998, has died at age 86. The article traces his political ascent from Finance Minister through a 1992 land inquiry report that forced Vice President Peter Mmusi's resignation, creating the vacancy that elevated Mogae to the vice presidency under Sir Ketumile Masire.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Saturday 16 May

  1. BDP warns forensic audit may be politicized by social media pressure

    The opposition BDP claims the national forensic audit risks being undermined by premature public judgment on social media before final findings are released, warning it may not produce conclusive results.

    16 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. BDP chief praises late Mogae as democrat and nation builder

    Botswana Democratic Party President Mpho Balopi praised President Advocate Duma Boko's tribute to the late former President Festus Mogae, describing Mogae as a great democrat, intellectual and nation builder who strengthened Botswana through discipline, humility and decency.

    16 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Reflection on Festus Mogae's political legacy and opposition critique

    An opinion piece examines Festus Mogae's role in Botswana politics from the perspective of early 1990s opposition figures who viewed him as representing an establishment they considered cautious and elitist, amid political tensions over inequality, land allocation, and governance issues including the National Development Bank crisis.

    13 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 12 May

  1. Masisi discusses factors behind 2024 election defeat

    Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi has reflected on external and internal party forces that contributed to the BDP's loss of government control in the 2024 general elections, marking the party's first defeat in nearly six decades.

    12 May 2026 · Weekend Post

Botswana Democratic Party — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute