SADC facilitation draws to an end in Lesotho

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Pretoria - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has closed down its facilitation mission in Lesotho following successful elections in the kingdom.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as SADC facilitator, witnessed the closure of the mission on Monday which saw the lowering of the SADC flag.

“By this act we declare to the people of this country and the world to know, that peace and stability has indeed returned to Lesotho,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa.

The Deputy President used the opportunity to thank the people and political parties of Lesotho and Majesty King Letsie III for their participation during his facilitation efforts, saying together they have made major strides towards the creation of peace, stability and security in the kingdom.

Their actions, he said, reaffirms the conviction that Lesotho has a leadership core with the necessary political will and determination to rise to the occasion when called upon.

This is the mark of the quality of a leadership that is required to lift the country to peace, development, growth and prosperity, he said.

“We wish you the best as you begin the long journey to the various destinations in our region of SADC-back to the comfort of your beloved countries, homes and indeed your loves ones.”

Deputy President Ramaphosa announced that Police Commissioner Kgothatso Tsooana, Lieutenant-General Tlali Kamoli and Lieutenant-General Maaparankoe Mahao had agreed to submit to the kingdom's new civilian authority.

They were appointed head of the Lesotho Defence Force by former Prime Minister Tom Thabane shortly before he was forced to flee to South Africa after what was described as an attempted coup in August last year.

The Maseru Security Accord had agreed that the three generals would go on leave of absence.

Deputy President Ramaphosa said he has authorised their return to Lesotho to mark the closure of his SADC mission in the country, which began in September 2014.

“I have authorised the return of the three Officials to Lesotho. Lt. Gen Kamoli has already arrived in Lesotho. The other two officers are due to arrive in days.”

Reiterating President Jacob Zuma’s words, the Deputy President also committed SADC to continue to assist the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho in their quest to institute these constitutional and security sector reforms.

“We reaffirm SADC’s readiness to assist the people and the government of Lesotho on the required constitutional and security sector reforms. SADC member-states collectively have the expertise and capabilities to share with their brothers and sisters in the Kingdom.” – SAnews.gov.za