Anatomy of (another) coup in Lesotho

The late: Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao
The late: Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao

I wrote my Master’s dissertation in 1986 on Lesotho. Despite having suffered its first military coup earlier that year, the mountain kingdom remained reasonably prosperous, helped by a paradox of anti-Apartheid aid and remittances from its miners in South Africa.

And there was the promise of income from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, supplying ‘white gold’ to the thirsty South African reef.

The overdue signature of this scheme was one stated reason for the coup that saw Major General Justin Metsing Lekhanya evict Chief Leabua Jonathan who had ruled with steadily increasing authoritarianism since independence in October 1966.

Editor's Comment
Solution needed for Hatsalatladi cracks

Despite the residents’ relentless struggle and enduring fears, government has yet to provide a clear and comprehensive solution to this alarming issue. For decades, the villagers have lived under the shadow of these ominous cracks, fearing the possibility of the earth swallowing them whole. This fear is not unfounded, as the damage extends beyond psychological distress to homes, fields, and ultimately, the livelihoods of the community. The...

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