Lesotho Peace Deal Is Signed

The South African Development Community (SADC) facilitator in Lesotho Crisis, Cyril Ramaphosa brokered a security peace accord on Thursday.
Ramaphosa, who is also the South African Deputy President, announced the peace at a press conference in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho on Thursday. The security peace accord was signed by Commissioner KhotatsoTsooana and Lt-Gen Tladi Kamoli, Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao observe peace between Lesotho Mounted Police Service and Lesotho Defence Force. Ramaphosa said, “We are confident that the signing of the Maseru Security Accord adds yet another important chapter and milestone in the irreversible march towards the return of Lesotho to constitutional normalcy and the stabilisation of the security situation as mandated by the SADC Heads of State and Government.”

There has been some tension and clashes between the police and the army in the past. He said the signing of the peace accord shows Lesotho’s commitment towards peace in the country. Ramaphosa said there has to be a peaceful environment for elections to be held in a free atmosphere. He also said, “It is our firm view that the stabilisation of the security situation can only help produce an outcome that is a true expression of the will of the people of Lesotho. An outcome that will communicate a message to the people of the country, SADC, Africa and the world that the elections were indeed free, fair and credible.”
King Letsie III is expected to announce the election date which is expected to be before the end of February 2015. He said the facilitation team would try to end mistrust between the army and the police. He added, “the facilitation mission can confidently declare that we have now reached yet another major milestone in the stabilisation of the security situation in Lesotho. “
The army and the police chiefs would take a 14 days leave. They would visit also visit SADC and Commonwealth countries. In this period Lt-Gen Tladi Kamoli, Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao and Commissioner KhotatsoTsooana will not exercise any authority or undue influence over the Lesotho Defence Force or Lesotho Mounted Police Service. Ramaphosa said, “This Accord takes into account the need to promote harmonious relations between the leadership, officers and members of both the Lesotho Defence Force and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service.”
He said the leader of the security forces promised to discourage and ensure that no further confrontations. They also agreed to ensure that there are no hostilities and will work for peace.
He said they the facilitation team would monitor the security situation in Lesotho.

Through the SADC facilitation, Lesotho Parliament opened on October 17, 2014. They were mandated to discuss budget and prepare for elections. They were discouraged to discuss the no confidence vote against the Prime Minister Dr. Tom Thabane which they called for in August 2014. The parliament would dissolve in December to pave way for elections./end