Lesotho turns a page: Nation celebrates SADC’s end to decades of political oversight
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – In what some describe as diplomatic achievement, Lesotho has been officially removed from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) agenda for politics, defence, and security cooperation.
The announcement, made during the 45th SADC Heads of State Summit in Madagascar, marks the culmination of years of national reform and closes a chapter of intense regional oversight that lasted over three decades.
This decision signals a powerful vote of confidence from the regional bloc and paves the way for Lesotho to redefine its future, focusing on stability, economic growth, and attracting foreign investment.
For years, Lesotho’s presence on the SADC tracker served as a cautionary flag to the international community. Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane hailed the removal as a transformative step, stating that “this achievement affords Lesotho the opportunity to shift its focus towards critical developmental issues. It assures potential investors that Lesotho is moving forward, determined to create a stable and secure environment for business and growth.”
The country’s journey has been marked by persistent challenges, including fragile coalition governments, political assassinations, and a deeply politicized security apparatus since 2014. SADC frequently intervened to mediate crises and prevent violence, playing a central role in guiding the nation toward stability.
Upon returning from the summit, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane commended the collective effort that made this milestone possible.
“This decision is a victory for the nation at large,” he said. “It demonstrates that when Basotho unite behind a shared vision, we are capable of overcoming challenges and charting a better path for future generations.”
The news has been met with widespread national pride and relief. Citizens like Lebohang Ramotubehi expressed a renewed sense of dignity: “It shows the world that we are capable of peace and self-governance.”
Government leaders were quick to frame this not as an endpoint, but as a new beginning. The focus now shifts to implementing subsequent phases of reform, including entrenching constitutional changes, overhauling the justice system, and strengthening public institutions.
As celebrations continue, the government has urged citizens, civil society and political parties to uphold this hard-won stability. The responsibility to ensure Lesotho never returns to the cycle of instability that once warranted constant regional oversight now rests firmly in its own hands.
