In a continued effort to strengthen unity among political leaders in reclaiming Lesotho’s territories from South Africa, several political party leaders have come together to urge cooperation between Mr. Lipholo and the ruling party. They emphasized that this issue is not a political matter but a national concern requiring collective action.
A joint statement was released today at Emmanuel Hostel by leaders of the African Ark (AA), Basutoland African National Congress (BANC), Basutoland Democratic Congress (BDC), Basotho Economic Enrichment (BEE), Basutoland Total Liberation Congress (BTLC), Bahlabani Ba Tokoloho Movement (BTM), and Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP). The leaders affirmed their support for Dr. Lipholo’s efforts to reclaim Lesotho’s territories, citing the National Plenary II and national reforms as justification for their stance.
Speaking on behalf of the gathered leaders, Litaba Molate, leader of BEE, addressed concerns raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament regarding the potential for conflict. He reassured the nation that the territories had already been reclaimed, and the focus should now be on implementation. He dismissed concerns of war as “fear and cowardice” that have historically rendered Lesotho insignificant on the international stage.
“Botswana and Namibia regained their territories without any war. Botswana reclaimed Selulu, Namibia got Asikidi, and Bakali Peninsula was returned to Nigeria from Cameroon,” Molate stated. He referenced a 1962 UN resolution that declared Basutoland should be returned, as well as a 1964 Organization of African Unity (OAU) resolution. At that time, he educated that South Africa was excluded from the OAU due to its discriminatory policies, and the resolution was directed at the government of the Union of South Africa, which was led by the Boers and white authorities.
Molate emphasized the need for Lesotho’s Parliament to review Chapter 1, Section 2 of its Constitution. He warned against efforts to integrate Lesotho as a province of South Africa, stating, “That will never happen—we are willing to put our lives on the line if necessary.” Should Parliament fail to act on the matter, the leaders vowed to pursue legal action both domestically and internationally, including launching a petition drive.
Tsebo Lemati, leader of BANC, noted that after Dr. Lipholo introduced the land reclamation motion in Parliament, various parties found common ground. They realized Lesotho was being economically suffocated by South Africa, prompting them to align their efforts. However, Lemati disclosed that they were unaware of Dr. Lipholo’s plans to take the matter to the United Nations.
“On July 24, 2023, we submitted a letter to Parliament urging support for the motion to reclaim our land. The letter was signed and stamped as received by the Office of the President of the Senate. However, we later learned that Parliament never received it, and as a result, it was never read,” Lemati revealed.
The leaders stood in unity, asserting that South Africa has never opposed returning the land. Instead, they believe the hesitation has always come from Basotho themselves, who remain skeptical and divided on the issue. They reiterated their commitment to seeing the matter through, advocating for national solidarity in reclaiming Lesotho’s lost territories.
