Editing History of Botswana (section)

=== Presidency of Mokgweetsi Masisi ===
[[File:Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference London 2018 (45245990491).jpg|thumb|Mokgweetsi Masisi speaking at a conference on the illegal wildlife trade in [[London]] in 2018]]
Masisi became president at the end of Khama's term on 1 April 2018. As the [[2019 Botswana general election|2019 general election]] approached, Masisi developed an image to contrast himself from Khama, presenting himself as an [[anti-corruption]] figure while supporting the media and BOFEPUSU.{{Sfn|Brown|2020|p=716}} His anti-corruption drive resulted in the arrest of [[Isaac Kgosi]], who had led the Directorate of Intelligence and Security in Khama's administration.{{Sfn|Brown|2020|p=717}}

Masisi proceeded to reverse many of Khama's policies.{{Sfn|Brown|2020|p=717}} Among these were the repeal of conservation policies, including a controversial hunting ban that targeted the [[ivory trade]].{{Sfn|LaRocco|Mogende|2022|pp=23–24, 33–34}} He also oversaw the decriminalisation of homosexuality.{{Sfn|Rotberg|2023|pp=228–229}} As this developed, Masisi and Khama became rivals instead of allies. Khama attempted to recruit [[Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi]] as an alternative BDP candidate against Masisi, and when that failed, he founded his own party, the [[Botswana Patriotic Front]] (BPF).{{Sfn|Makgala|Malila|2022|p=307}}{{Sfn|Brown|2020|p=717}}

The BDP reclaimed a majority of the popular vote in 2019,{{Sfn|Brown|2020|p=703}} but the election was marred by government pressure and occasional raids against opposition figures. The UDC challenged the results, but they were unsuccessful.{{Sfn|Makgala|Malila|2022|p=308}} Regional trends shifted in 2019 as the BDP lost some of its support in the north while increasing its influence in the south.{{Sfn|Rotberg|2023|p=231}} The election also saw the primary opposition party, the BNF, lose ground to the BCP.{{Sfn|Brown|2020|p=704}}

Like most nations, [[COVID-19 pandemic in Botswana|Botswana saw major economic decline during the COVID-19 pandemic]], and the country stayed [[COVID-19 lockdowns|in lockdown]] for much of 2020 and 2021.{{Sfn|Makgala|Malila|2022|p=309}} The [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant]] was discovered in Botswana later in 2021.{{Sfn|Rotberg|2023|p=229}} [[Anti-Indian sentiment]] became widespread as the Indian community in Botswana was relatively wealthy.{{Sfn|Makgala|Malila|2022|p=310}}

Khama fled to South Africa in exile in November 2021, and the government of Botswana charged him with illegal ownership of weapons soon after.{{Sfn|Makgala|Malila|2022|pp=311–312}}