Botswana police officer Busang Lesola tipped to head intelligence agency
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Weekend Post
Deputy Commissioner of Police Busang Lesola, head of criminal intelligence at the Botswana Police Service, is tipped to lead the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS). If confirmed, his candidacy would break with nearly two decades of military leadership of the agency, according to the Weekend Post.
Busang Lesola, Deputy Commissioner of Police in Botswana and head of criminal intelligence at the Botswana Police Service, is among the candidates being considered to lead the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), the country’s intelligence service. People familiar with the process told the Weekend Post that his name had support in some circles.
His candidacy would open the possibility of putting a police officer rather than a military officer in charge of the DIS. Since the agency was established in 2008 under former President Ian Khama, its leaders have almost always come from the armed forces, according to the Weekend Post.
Several other candidates are said to have been submitted to President Duma Boko’s Office, including former DIS officials and people with military experience. The debate within the ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition pits officials who favour a police candidate against others who want to maintain the military tradition at the head of the intelligence service.
The selection comes after Peter Fana Magosi’s term expired on 13 October, and his handover of duties was reported on 19 October.
