Statement on the latest political and security developments in the Kingdom of Lesotho by HE Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation
Concerned about the political and security developments in the Kingdom of Lesotho in particular the flight of the three Opposition leaders and the killing of Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao, former Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation of SADC, H.E President Jacob Zuma, dispatched a Ministerial Organ Fact Finding Mission to the Kingdom of Lesotho, from 26-29 June 2015 to assess the latest political and security developments in the country.
President Zuma has condemned the killing of Brigadier Mahao who was killed on 25th June 2015 outside of Maseru. This unfortunate and tragic incident threatens to undermine the Kingdom’s efforts towards the peaceful transition following the February 2015 elections, said President Zuma.
President Zuma has reiterated the need for all stakeholders in the Kingdom of Lesotho to resolve their political differences through legal and peaceful processes and further reiterated the pressing need to expedite the process of establishing institutional and security reforms, as recommended by the SADC Double Troika Summit held in Pretoria on 20th February 2015.
The Chairperson of the Organ conveyed his condolences and sympathy to the Mahao family, His Majesty King Letsie 111 and to the Government and people of the Kingdom. President Zuma has reaffirmed the continued commitment of the Southern African Development Community to support the Government and the people of Lesotho to consolidate peace, security and stability in the Kingdom.
After receiving the report of the Fact Finding Mission, President Zuma has become more concerned about the apparent explosive security situation in Lesotho. In this regard, President Zuma has decided to urgently dispatch Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is the SADC Facilitator on Lesotho, to consult with Right Honourable Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili.
Further, President Zuma is sending a Special Envoy to the Chair of SADC, HE Robert Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe to share his deep concerns about the security situation in Lesotho as contained in the Ministerial Fact Finding Mission.
