Former Botswana President Ian Khama, who is currently residing in self-imposed exile in South Africa, firmly believes that his life is in danger, in light of this concern, Khama has taken decisive action by approaching the Johannesburg High Court. His objective is to obtain a declaratory order that would preemptively reject any potential extradition request that may arise in the future.
Khama’s decision to seek legal protection stems from his fears for personal safety should he return to his home country, facing several charges, including unlawful possession of firearms, Khama believes that he is being targeted due to his political involvement.
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has also expressed apprehension about Botswana’s perceived persecution of political opponents, further adding weight to Khama’s concerns.
Detailing the gravity of the threats he has faced, Khama disclosed information about alleged assassination plots targeting him. Among these plots, one involved a planned break-in at his residence with the intent of staging it as a robbery, ultimately resulting in his murder. Such revelations highlight the extent of the perceived dangers Khama believes he would face if he were to return.
Moreover, Khama questions the effectiveness of a regional intervention, specifically referring to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which has made attempts to address the crisis in Zimbabwe. Despite these efforts, Khama asserts that the rejection faced by individual leaders within the region raises doubts about SADC’s ability to provide a viable solution for his own country.