MASERU – The College of Chiefs has given coalition government partners, the All Basotho Convention (ABC) and the Basotho National Party (BNP), the thumps up as Lesotho prepares for snap elections on February 28. Speaking on Tuesday this week at an event hosted by the BNP to commemorate the 1982 Maseru Massacre at the Pitso Ground in Maseru, chairman of the college and Principal Chief of Thaba Bosiu, Chief Khoabane Theko, said following the persecution of their leadership, the two parties deserved the support of chiefs. Prime Minister and ABC leader Dr Motsoahae Thabane and BNP leader Chief Thesele ‘Maseribane were forced to flee the country during a coup attempt on August 30 this year after the Lesotho Defence Force pounced on three police stations in Maseru and raided the State House. The two, together with some high ranking government officials, later returned to Lesotho under the protection of the South African police, which they have been enjoying since. Chief Theko said as chiefs, they were not embarrassed that the South African government had extended a helping hand to the two leaders to ensure their safety. In apparent reference to fellow coalition government partner, Mr Mothetjoa Metsing, the leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy, who was not targeted by the army, Theko argued, “Among those who were invaded, someone was left untouched, yet he was their partner. “He did not even bother to inquire on their (Thabane and ‘Maseribane) safety and health while exiled. Instead he remained relaxed and militarily protected by the same army that forced the two out of the country,” Chief Theko said. He further reprimanded Thabane and Maseribane for agreeing to go for elections while the country’s security challenges remained. “We must be serious. Are you saying we should go for elections yet there is still some people refusing to take government orders?” he quipped. Major General Khoantle Motšomotšo has defied orders from government secretary Mr Moahloli Mphaka to withdraw state security from axed minister of communications, Mr Selibe Mochoboroane. Mochoboroane and his party, the LCD have refused to recognise his dismissal by the prime minister. Chief Theko added the playing field was bumpy at the moment as the country was now going for elections in February next year under limited time that would not allow for prevailing security fears to be resolved. “It’s like some people are saying if the elections outcome does not favour them, they will use the army that they are already riding on.” The chief also contended the issue of the army should be dealt with, noting, “Motšomotšo should be advised to be a servant and use the country’s hardware under his control in the right manner. He must ensure the protection and security of all sections of the Basotho, and not become a threat to certain sections.” He further invited the ABC and the BNP to a public gathering he would soon be holding to tell the people why the College of Chiefs was rallying behind them. “Allegations were being bandied around that it was only a few of the principal chiefs that sympathised with these two leaders, but I have heard every chief wants to hold a pitso to the same effect; at Ramabanta, Roma, Leribe and everywhere. Some are going to hold the meetings in January to sensitise Basotho that there are criminals within government – people who usurped the control of the army and government.” Chief Theko addressed the perception that the BNP was a chiefs’ party, asking “I am saying that is correct, and want to know who has a problem with that”. He also highlighted it was not surprising that Lesotho was at some point a safe haven for South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress. “And the ANC should bear in mind that that was the reason why Chief Leabua was overthrown,” he noted, adding the late chief was ousted because he had refused to be subjected to the apartheid regime’s demands to release some of the refugees, including current president Jacob Zuma, wanted by the South African regime of the day. “So I am calling on this great party, the BNP, and its membership to hold their heads high and be very proud of that.” Chief Theko also told the gathered BNP supporters, “When you screamed your slogan ‘Tlholo ea mathata’ today, you reminded me of heavyweights that built the political landscape of this country. I remembered Chief Leabua Jonathan, Chief Nehemiah Sekhonyana ‘Maseribane, Chief Matete Majara, Chief Peete Peete and others”. Upon its formation in 1959, the BNP became an abode for chiefs and royalists and to a degree advocated interests. Since inception the party has been led by chiefs, with the exclusion of Major General Metsing Lekhanya, a former LDF commander. The BNP was first led by Chief Leabua Jonathan, then Chief Retšelisitsoe Sekhonyana, and now Chief ‘Maseribane.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 11:47:02 +0000
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