Pretoria – Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the Lesotho government's efforts towards supporting the work of the commission of inquiry set up by the SADC Double Troika in Pretoria in July.
The commission of enquiry is tasked with finding a lasting solution to the situation in Lesotho.
“They have prepared office space, they have prepared the full administrative logistical infrastructure that will support the work of the commission.
“We are certain they will commence their work with great earnest and we call on the people of Lesotho to participate in the work of the commission,” said the Deputy President at the end of his visit to the country.
The 13 members of the commission of enquiry - led by a Judge of the High Court from Botswana – are meant to conclude their work within 60 days and will thereafter report to the Chairperson of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, President Jacob Zuma.
The Deputy President, who is the SADC Facilitator, held a meeting with King Letsie III, Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, members of his cabinet, as well as with leaders of the opposition parties in Lesotho on Saturday.
The meeting forms part of regional efforts to consolidate peace and security in Lesotho.
Terms of Reference
Deputy President Ramaphosa said the commission’s terms of reference was dealt with during the meeting.
While it was agreed that the commission will be allowed to work guided by the SADC terms of reference for now, the Lesotho Government, members of the opposition parties and the Deputy President as facilitator also made certain proposals towards the terms of reference.
"We discussed this matter and we all agreed that we want to see the terms of reference being added to, when the Summit of the Troika meets again on 16 August 2015.
“The commission will commence its work right now, proceed and we will then be, on a consensus basis, working on additional terms of reference to look at various other aspects which we believe needs to be looked at,” he explained.
He said no stone would be left unturned during the commission of enquiry and called on everyone to work with the commissioners and not to impede on their work.
SADC recommendations
"We presented the report of the facilitation process here in Lesotho, the final report to his Majesty the King. Attached to the report was the recommendation that SADC is making to Lesotho in relation to constitutional reforms as well as security reforms.
"It is our considered view and opinion that if stakeholders in Lesotho were to give consideration to the recommendation, much more stable and conducive atmosphere will be created in Lesotho so that greater and more lasting stability can be engendered in Lesotho.”
He said the matter had been left in the hands of the government and the people of Lesotho.
“SADC would clearly like to see greater stability being restored in Lesotho”. – SAnews.gov.za
