… Leaders re-claim their role as designers and architects of stable and peaceful country MASERU - Cheerful faces, teamwork and subservient speeches reigned at a plenary and groups sessions of the multi stakeholders national leaders reforms dialogue conference held in Maseru from Monday to Wednesday this week, an occasion that one spectator described as a flash of light at the end of the tunnel for Lesotho’s stability, peace and prosperity.
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Nov. 29, 2018
3 min read
Turning point!
The conference, acknowledged as all-inclusive and representative, was unveiled with unpacking of the meaning of peace in relation to reforms by the Roman Catholic Church Archbishop Tlali Lerotholi O.M.I. “The reforms are all about peace and peace is all about returning to God, releasing prisoners, reconciliation with society as well as assisting the marginalised,” an emotional journey, which the Archbishop said it was time for the society to call onto the Lord and seek guidance if they really wanted to succeed.
When officiating the conference, King Letsie III asked the participants -comprised of political leaders from government and opposition, including those from exile as well as civic groups and public servants - to keep in mind the history of Lesotho, so as to avoid repeating mistakes of the past. He said: “Since Lesotho gained independence in 1966, the country has been through episodes no one is proud of as a result of political instabilities. There is need for selfless leaders who put aside their personal interests and satisfy the needs of the society. The issue of security needs considerable attention; over the years, security issues have had intra and inter challenges as a result of politics.”
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He remarked that reforms mark an important history of Basotho as the nation guided by Southern African Development Community (SADC), have found the need to engage in a dialogue seeking to find solutions to political and socio economic issues.
According to Prime Minister Thabane “the reforms would touch on constitution, security, judiciary, economy and media. The government remains committed towards success of reforms. We must set aside the interests of our own reference groups and make the society a priority. In unity, we will be able to come up with solutions so as to reshape the future of Lesotho.” The historic dialogue was commended by the SADC Facilitator to Lesotho, Justice Likgang Moseneke and appreciated in particular opposition Leaders who were in exile for having finally made it to the first dialogue. “The church has also played a huge role in persuading everybody to come on board. The country is at the point of no return but a change,” he stressed.
The competition time, according to the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Mr. Christian Manahl, in politics are over and “these are times to cooperate and constructively build Lesotho for the better.” President Edgar Lungu of Zambia, who is the SADC Chairperson for the Organ on Politics Defence, and Security Cooperation, through Zambia’s ambassador to South Africa, said he was pleased that various stakeholders from government, political parties, women, youths, church and civil society have gathered to discuss the future of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Chief Thesele Maseribane, minister for communications has pleaded with the media to take the opportunity of the reforms to recommend laws and amendments in the media industry that would help in perfecting the work of the media in a democratic country.
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