Lesotho PM committed to reform

Tichaona Zindoga in GABORONE, Botswana
Lesotho Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili says he is committed to political reform in his country to bring about peace and stability. PM Mosisili, one of the four new leaders that delivered their maiden speeches to the 35th Sadc Summit of Heads of State and Government being held here, said he was leading a coalition of six parties and would cooperate with the region in measures to bring closure to the crisis gripping his country.

“Lesotho has been on the agenda of Sadc for too long and for the wrong reasons,” said PM Mosisili. “Our coalition government is, therefore, committed to a reform process that will affect various institutions and hopefully ensure that Sadc is spared the trouble to douse flames in the Mountain Kingdom.

“We, therefore, appeal to the member States of the Sadc region to remain seized with this reform programme and extend the requisite support where necessary.”

He commended the region for its mediation efforts in light of the turbulence in the country which was occasioned by an attempted coup against former President Thomas Thabane in August last year.

The gunning down of a former army general two months ago brought fresh tensions that had somewhat eased following the holding of elections in February.

“It’s a matter of grave concern to me personally and my partners in the coalition government that the tranquility we all yearn for has once more eluded us even after the peaceful elections engineered by Sadc,” said PM Mosisili.

“The new challenges we are confronted with all point to a refusal of sections of the population, particularly members of the opposition, to accept the outcome of the February 2015 elections.”

He said his government would accept a roadmap that Sadc would chart following the conclusion of an ongoing inquiry.

Lesotho was the subject of discussion by the Double Troika convened on Sunday and the Sadc Summit is set to deliberate on the volatile situation in the country.

Other new leaders — who have entered into office in their respective countries since the 34th Summit in Zimbabwe — were Namibia’s Hage Geingob, Edgar Lungu of Zambia and Filipe Jacinto Nyusi of Mozambique.

The leaders expressed gratitude at joining the Sadc family of nations and pledged to work with the region in various ways.

They also described situations in their home countries, which saw smooth transfer of power over the past year.”