MDC Statement on Lesotho situation

The MDC is gravely concerned by the tumultuous political situation in Lesotho, which has now seen the assassination of former army general, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao. We call upon SADC and the African Union to act quickly and decisively to rein in any further disturbances and ensure long term peace in Lesotho.

We condemn the callous killing of General Mahao and we urge the responsible authorities to investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. The swift intervention of Southern Africa regional bodies is a top priority in bringing stability to and protecting the citizens of Lesotho.

SADC and AU must play an effective role as conciliators in this crisis. We urge the two bodies once again to attend to the Lesotho crisis with expediency before the situation gets further out of control. It has been obvious for some time now that the Lesotho issue is a ticking time bomb which requires diligent intervention from the two regional bodies.

As MDC we shall always strive to ensure the establishment of a regional pluralist security community which stands supreme and dependable on peaceful settlement of regional disputes.

The MDC recognises that regional peace is central to the protection of regional politico-economic interests and therefore we will continue with our efforts to implement a regional foreign policy that ensures the perpetual maintenance of regional peace.

To that end, the MDC emphasises the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict in Lesotho and a need for a comprehensive approach to restore peace and stability in that country.