Lesotho crisis pushes SADC to the brink

In January, SADC chair, President Ian Khama, saved Lesotho from suspension, after exasperated leaders and representatives from South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Swaziland failed to reach consensus with Mosisili. A suspension would have devastated Lesotho’s economy, particularly as the United States had warned it would side with SADC and bar Lesotho from AGOA, which supports 40,000 workers in Lesotho’s textile sector.

Mosisili and leaders fell out over Lesotho’s acceptance of a Commission of Enquiry report into the June 25, 2015 assassination of former military chief, Maaparankoe Mahao. The Lesotho government challenged the commission, its report and its commissioners, who were led by local retired judge, Mpaphi Phumaphi.