Africa-Press – Botswana. Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Duma Gideon Boko was considered a political greenhorn in 2010 when he took over the Botswana National Front president Otsweletse Moupo. Fast forward to 2022, Boko may currently be an unpopular figure for his decision to suspend his vice president Dumelang Saleshando from the coalition. Where does all the bravery come from?asks GOITSEMODIMO KAELO
Boko is the man who shoulders the enormous responsibility of leading a united opposition to victory in the next general elections.
But as the wars within the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) intensify, all eyes are on him to act decisively and eventually ‘calm the waters.’
Boko’s demeanour and status as a lawyer cannot be questionable.
However, for a long time there has been debate about his credentials and capabilities in the political sphere. Many questioned whether he is brave enough to stamp his authority and make unpopular decisions that could in the end be the turning point of success for the UDC.
A Harvard law graduate, Bokos political history was not known until the time he succeeded Otsweletse Moupo. Although, it is said that he was actively involved in student politics during his University of Botswana days, unlike Dumelang Saleshando history remembered him more for his work as a lawyer than in politics.
However, one would say with benefit of hindsight, it has become clear why Boko, a lesser known figure then, was brave enough to stand for the BNF presidency.
Of course, there were detractors who challenged his BNF membership, but he sailed through and descended on the throne.
He took over a BNF that had seen its fortunes fade under the stewardship of Moupo. The BNF was engulfed in factions, while it was losing its grip as the main opposition in the country. But Boko managed to calm things down and get ‘his house’ in order. The BNF started to look like a party re-energised and ready to challenge for power under his leadership.
In 2014, he led a coalition made of three parties; BNF, Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) and Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) to the general election under the UDC banner as president. It was a successful effort from Boko and the UDC as he led a 19-man strong team of highly educated man to parliament. Boko had contested Gaborone Bonnington North constituency and won. The feat was achieved without a prominent opposition in Botswana Congress Party (BCP) that had pulled out of the coalition prior to the elections and went solo.
However, after the BCP joined in the coalition going into the 2019 general elections, there were higher expectations for electoral success. Boko had to deliver victory. He managed to mount a successful campaign for the opposition, at times going pound for pound with the mega-rich Botswana Democratic Change (BDP).
The UDC failed to take power from the BDP while Boko lost his parliamentary seat to BDP’s Annah Mokgethi. The UDC performance was so bad that the coalition lost all Gaborone constituencies to the ruling party. Questions started to be thrown around as to whether Boko is fit to lead the coalition. Others called for him to resign while some suggested an elective congress.
While all this happened, Boko has been quiet. Perhaps still pondering on his next move. When he resurfaced, UDC was not shy to wield the axe, and show that despite all that has happened he is still the man in charge.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
