ABC demands urgent action on governance, economic, social crises
‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – All Basotho Convention (ABC) leader, Nkaku Kabi, has called for urgent government intervention to address escalating crises in governance, healthcare, education, youth unemployment and the struggling economy.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Kabi expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to act decisively on critical reforms and social welfare issues. He emphasized that while reforms were a cornerstone of the current administration’s 2022 campaign promises, progress has been stalled by judicial setbacks and a lack of political will.
Kabi criticized the slow pace of structural reforms, which were meant to strengthen democracy and accountability.
He highlighted deteriorating public services, urging immediate investment to prevent further collapse, and youth unemployment with joblessness at alarming levels. Kabi warned of rising social unrest without swift policy action.
He called for bold measures to revive Lesotho’s economy, citing inflation and poor fiscal management.
The ABC leader accused the government of neglecting its mandate, stating: “Promises were made, but the people see no change. Leadership requires action, not excuses.”
He urged civil society and opposition parties to hold authorities accountable.
“When the prime minister took office in 2022, one of his key promises was the implementation of national reforms. We were pleased to hear this, and as ABC, although in opposition, we pledged to support these reforms for the betterment of Basotho,” said Kabi.
However, Kabi pointed out that despite their support, the government appears reluctant to follow through. He emphasized that the reforms are not merely political instruments – they are rather essential measures that would significantly benefit the people of Lesotho.
“We have appealed to this government multiple times to expedite the reforms process. But we are met with silence and delays, which deeply concerns us,” he said.
Kabi also raised alarm over the deteriorating state of Lesotho’s healthcare system, particularly the government’s strained relationship with the Christian Health Association of Lesotho (CHAL).
He cited delays in insufficient support for medical supplies as indicators of neglect.
“Since 1980, governments have always ensured that CHAL is equipped with the necessary resources to support healthcare, especially in rural areas. But now, CHAL is left to struggle, and this is a betrayal of a longstanding commitment to the health of our people,” Kabi stated.
He urged the government to prioritize healthcare, noting that failure to do so would put the lives of thousands at risk, especially those in underserved communities.
Another major issue highlighted by the ABC leader was the dire state of education and the alarming levels of youth unemployment.
“The future of Basotho youth is under threat. Previous governments had introduced policies such as free education, which ensured that every Mosotho child had access to learning. But those efforts are now being neglected,” said Kabi.
He praised the government’s recent initiative to employ 70 000 youth as a positive step, but warned that it should not be a once-off effort.
“We support any step that empowers young people, but we must treat youth unemployment as the national crisis it is. Young people are not just potential voters; they are the future of this country. Their empowerment must be continuous, strategic, and well-funded,” he added.
Kabi also expressed concern over the government’s failure to deliver on its promise to increase salaries for chiefs, stating that the chieftaincy institution plays a vital role in community leadership and local conflict resolution.
“The government must respect and support our leaders. They are custodians of our culture and peacekeepers in our villages,” Kabi emphasized.
He added that local councillors are similarly overlooked, with many struggling to perform their duties due to a lack of basic resources and operational support.
The ABC leader also criticized the government’s handling of the economy, citing increased prices of electricity, food, and other basic needs. He warned that the current economic downturn, which government data shows has contracted by 5.3 percent, is creating fertile ground for poverty and hunger.
“Families are struggling to put food on the table. The cost of living is unbearable, and yet there is no tangible plan from the government to alleviate this pressure,” Kabi said.
He said that with inflation rising and employment opportunities shrinking, the government needs to “meet the people halfway” by introducing urgent relief measures and long-term strategies to stabilize the economy.
Kabi called on Basotho to stand together during these challenging times and to continue holding their leaders accountable.
“This is not the time for silence. We must all rise and demand accountability. The government must be reminded that leadership is about service, compassion, and delivery. Basotho deserve better,” he concluded.
As Lesotho continues to grapple with political uncertainty, healthcare concerns, education challenges, and economic hardship, the ABC’s message is clear, the time for rhetoric is over, what the nation needs now is action, and it must be swift, inclusive, and sincere.
Again, with growing public frustration, pressure mounts on the government to deliver tangible solutions or face heightened dissent.
