Statement issued by Mr Bantu Holomisa – UDM President
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is disturbed by the reports of alleged political intolerance in Lesotho. In this regard, we call on the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through its facilitator, the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene with speed, and ensure political stability.
We must do everything possible, and within our powers, to avert political instability that may result to loss of life and other socio-economic ills in Lesotho, in the continent and the world over. The fact that the leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), Mr Mothetjoa Metsing (as reported in the City Press – 3 September 2017), had to flee his country and take refuge in South Africa, fearing for his life, is a reason enough for a speedy intervention by the SADC.
We note the reported commitment, announced by the Lesotho Public Service Minister, Mr Thesele Maseribane, through South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Friday, the 1st of September instant. Consistent with that commitment, and taking into account the recent incidents of death, including the death of Thelingoane Mota, the assault of police superintendent Lerato Motseki; the UDM strongly believes that the SADC and the Mr Ramaphosa must join these processes and ensure a safe and peaceful political environment in Lesotho.
In the same vein, the UDM would not want the South African soil to be used as a springboard to attack a democratically elected government of Lesotho.
Lesotho, need stability to grow its economy and contribute to the betterment of the lives of the people of that country, the Southern Region and the continent at large.
End
