Govt beefs up defence spending

‘MATHATO SEBOKA

MASERU- Lesotho’s recent budget speech proposes a firm commitment to strengthen the security organs. The ministry of Defence and National Security is allocated M717.7 million on the 2025/2026 financial year according to finance minister, Dr Retšelitsoe Matlanyane, on Wednesday this week.

Addressing the parliament, stakeholders and public, Matlanyane indicated that even though the world faces significant global economic uncertainty, the government “prioritises in not leaving anyone behind” highlighting the need to care for and protect all including the vulnerable.

This at the time when Lesotho faces high crime rates, including sexual assaults, murders and rampant livestock theft.

Illegal gun crimes between famo groups have equally become a menace. Matlanyane indicated that the allocated amount is aimed at the equipping the armed forces with necessary skills to overcome these and other security challenges facing the country.

“The focus will shift towards training, recruitment, and development of personnel, equipping our armed forces with the necessary skills to address contemporary security challenges,” said Matlanyane.

The minister continued that the budget is also intended for the purchase of the modernising of the country’s defence forces equipment. The Lesotho Defence Force has measly two or three helicopters often not enough to answer any call of duty. Not much is known about how much equipment the Lesotho army actually has.

“Additionally, modernising equipment and material will be prioritized to ensure that the country’s defence forces are well-prepared for protection of territorial integrity of the country and any security threats that may emerge,” said Matlanyane.

She further added, “These initiatives are intended to strengthen operational capacity of military forces.”

She said that the bigger portion of the budget will be used to reinforce security by funding programmes for the protection of territorial integrity of the country.

It is not clear if the motion to reclaim parts of Lesotho from South Africa which has become the prime topic in the country perhaps informed the minister’s reference to territorial integrity. “The larger portion of the budget will be used to strengthen security by funding programmes including self-sufficiency initiatives and acquisition of equipment for protection of the territorial integrity of the country,” said Matlanyane.

She added that that it is also intended to fight crime and provide safe custodial care and correction to offenders through effective rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

Matlanyane said that with the aim of fighting crime in the country, the LDF was deployed to high-crime crime areas to support policing.

“Notable locations that have seen an increased military presence include Fobane, Khubelu, Liphakoeng, Ribaneng, Matelile, Matsieng, and Rothe. This deployment has significantly enhanced public safety, reassured local communities, and contributed to a reduction in violent crime,” said Matlanyane.

While there has been notable decrease in crime, these areas still have sporadic shootings from Famo gangs.

LDF members on Operation Hard Fist to confiscate illegal firearms from gang members in 2024 allegedly tortured four people and killed at least two others.

Between 13 and 16 August the same year, soldiers arbitrarily detained and allegedly tortured four men from the town of Leribe at the Mokota-koti army base and Ha Ratjomose barracks with victims demanding M10 million in compensation for the abuse from the army boss in lawsuit.

While the security agency needs to be fully emancipated to fulfil its national duty, it is the notoriety in torture of civilians that remains worrisome.

Last years’ 2023/2024 budget delivered on February 7, the Security Sector, Matlanyane proposed that the Defence, and National Security Services be allocated M640.2 million and M104.3 million, respectively, which was a total of M744.5 Million for the Ministry of Defence and National Security.

This indicates a defence budget cut of M26.8 million.

Matlanyane’s mid-term budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year showed that government had provided computer forensics to Operation FIELA to fight against corruption and other crimes.

“To enhance the capabilities of key institutions in the fight against corruption and crime, including homicide, human trafficking, and gender-based violence, the government has provided computer forensics to Operation FIELA as part of its digital forensic initiatives,” said Matlanyane then.