Lesotho, SADC's litmus test

In various forms, the conflict in Lesotho has bubbled under since its Independence in 1966, erupting several times over the decades to often claim lives, fuel regional instability and further entrench poverty among Basotho. At least 40 percent of the population lives under the poverty datum line, while 20 percent of children under five are underweight. Other challenges such as HIV/AIDS, high unemployment, widening inequality and an undiversified economy abound.

However, all these play second fiddle to the political conflict that has raged in Lesotho over the decades, often necessitating diplomatic and even military intervention from the region.