South African President and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika, Jacob Zuma, today, Monday 9 February 2015 hosted a meeting of the Coalition Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho led by Prime Minister Tom Thabane at OR Tambo Building in Pretoria.
The meeting was attended by SADC Facilitator Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Lesotho's coalition partners Deputy Prime Minister Mothejoa Metsing and Minister Thesele Maseribane as well as South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Minister of State Security David Mahlobo.
The meeting received a briefing by Lesotho coalition government about their current concerns regarding (i) the security situation and (ii) violations of provisions of the Maseru Facilitation Accord as well as the Maseru Security Accord. The coalition government also made requests for SADC to provide more support for the holding of elections in Lesotho.
In this regard, President Zuma emphasised the need for the Facilitator, Deputy President Ramaphosa to return to Lesotho as soon as possible to address issues raised by the delegation of the Lesotho government.
President Zuma emphasised the need for all parties to act in a manner that help create a climate conducive for the holding of elections. In this context the coalition partners committed themselves to continue to act within the letter and spirit of decisions of the SADC Troika Heads and State and Government as part of efforts to help create peace and stability in Lesotho.
The meeting also expressed its confidence in the ongoing facilitation work of the SADC Observer Mission to Lesotho under the leadership of Deputy President Ramaphosa. The meeting expressed its confidence that the climate for the holding of elections on 28 February remain on course.
For more information contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
