THOUSANDS of All Basotho Convention (ABC) supporters braved Sunday’s chilly weather and the COVID-19 pandemic scare when they converged in Ha Abia, Maseru to attend the party’s rally.
elections
May 24, 2021
STAFF REPORTER
3 min read
Thabane appeals for rebirth of ABC
Multitudes of ABC supporters at the Sunday rally in Ha Abia
The gathering was aimed at reinventing and rebuilding the party after it suffered a devastating blow when 10 of its Members of Parliament left to form a break-away party about a month ago.
The new party called Basotho Action Party (BAP) is led by former ABC deputy leader, Professor Nqosa Mahao.
Mahao who was also the Minister of Law and Justice in the current coalition government was sacked after forming the new party.
ABC leader and former Prime Minister Motsoahae Thabane told his followers that recent misunderstandings within the party ranks have resulted in rebellions and chaos as well as the formation of smaller and insignificant break away parties.
“But that will certainly not debilitate or discourage us in anyway. The journey of freedom is long, tedious and demands a lot of commitment. It hurts to see some of us turn their backs on us to form their own parties.
“We all worked hard as members to ensure that the ABC leads the current coalition government. Most of us were forced to flee our motherland to seek refuge on foreign land while others lost their lives in the fight for the overall freedom of Basotho,” the leader said.
On May 19, 2020 Thabane, 81, stepped down as prime minister following months of pressure after he was named as a suspect in the murder of his estranged wife, Lipolelo.
Gunmen ambushed Lipolelo, 58, in her vehicle as she drove to her Ha ’Masana home on the outskirts of Maseru on June 14, 2017.
She was in the company of a family friend Thato Sibolla when the attack occurred.
The incident happened two days before Thabane was sworn in for a second term.
His current wife ’Maesaiah Thabane was charged in connection with the killing, but the couple has denied any involvement.
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Thabane on Sunday appealed to his ABC comrades not to forget where they came from as that would be unfortunate because it would forestall them from achieving their ultimate goal, which is true and eternal freedom.
“From the very beginning, our journey has not been easy as people who did not wish us well came into our midst and divided us, causing chaos in the process.
“We therefore need to from this moment wake up. If we fail to urgently introspect, we will in future cry over spilt milk,” he said.
With the ways things are now, he said it is imperative to go back to the party roots and ask God for guidance as well as direction.
He added, “If we work hard, join hands and stop the bickering, we still have a chance to prove to this nation that the ABC can lead this country out of its miseries,” he said.
Thabane’s former deputy, Mahao also held a similar rally in Hlotse, Leribe on Sunday afternoon.
It was the new party’s second rally after the maiden one was held on May 16 in Ha Rantšetse, Korokoro on the outskirts of Maseru.
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