Botswana Congress Party leader faces suspension and police criticism

Dumelang Saleshando, president of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), is facing internal disciplinary action and has leveled accusations against national law enforcement.

The BCP Youth League (BCPYL) has issued an interim suspension against Saleshando’s son following his unilateral declaration to form the BCP Student Command. The League stated that these moves were made without following established party procedures or adequate consultation, potentially breaching BCP and BCPYL constitutions. The individual has seven days to submit a written response to the disciplinary notice.

Separately, Saleshando has demanded an explanation from Botswana Police Service Commissioner Diana Marathe regarding the arrest of two BCP activists, Tshepho Sethibe and Rachel Tlharesagae. Saleshando accused the police of selective enforcement and double standards, alleging that authorities are targeting government critics while failing to act against anonymous social media accounts that target opposition leaders.