Reports indicate that former president Ian Khama and ex-spy chief Isaac Kgosi are in disagreement regarding the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF)'s departure from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). In fact, Kgosi is defying Khama's wishes and attempting to reconcile the two opposition groups. Sources close to the situation suggest that many BPF supporters are displeased with the decision to leave the UDC shortly before the upcoming general elections in October.

Initially, after opposition unity talks in January, the BPF was expected to participate in the elections under the UDC's banner. However, last month, led by its president Mephato Reatile, the BPF announced a departure from the agreed model, opting instead to renegotiate a pact model with the UDC. According to insiders, Khama, Reatile, and Carter Morupisi were primarily behind this decision, which is perceived as detrimental to both parties' electoral prospects.

In response to discontent within the BPF, Kgosi was urged by some party members to intervene and persuade Khama and Reatile to reconsider. Kgosi's team sought a meeting with UDC president Duma Boko to mediate, but logistical issues delayed the encounter.

Meanwhile, Boko made it clear in a recent press briefing in Palapye that the UDC will not entertain negotiations for a pact model with the BPF. He emphasized that if the BPF intends to collaborate with the UDC for the 2024 general elections, it must do so under the UDC banner exclusively. There are indications that some disillusioned BPF members are contemplating defecting to the UDC.