> Senior army officers eye BDF Commander post A major shakeup is expected at Sir Seretse Khama barracks when President Mokgweetsi Masisi appoints a new Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Commander as the incumbent Lieutenant General Placid Segokgo is reaching statutory retirement age. Masisi has the option to release Lt General Segokgo or retain him on a short term contract. Highly placed sources within the military have opined that when Masisi finally sits down to consider Segokgo’s successor, his decision will be informed by service history, personal preference, political consideration and advice from his inner circle mostly led by his elder brother Retired Brigadier Thulaganyo Masisi and Lieutenant General Tebogo Masire. Rt Brigadier Masisi – a Special Forces officer by training known for toughness during his hey days in the army – has mentored most of the senior army officers and is in a better position to advice his younger brother. The shake-up at SSKB will see some high-ranking officers re-deployed in high profile portfolios in the armed forces as President Masisi asserts his position within national security. Traditionally by April the President announces promotions for senior officers in the BDF but this has not happened since Masisi came into office.…