AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Diplomacy: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane joined leaders at CHOGM 2026 and endorsed a communiqué focused on trade, investment, climate finance and people. Its investment pipeline includes 69 projects worth US$34 billion across 20 member countries. Land and Climate Resilience: Lesotho is launching a five-year project to restore degraded land and support rural communities in Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing. Environment Minister Thabo Mofosi said it will focus on protecting water, improving food security and preparing for climate pressures. Public Service Pensions: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane urged public officers to understand their pension benefits and plan for retirement. Officials also stressed that pension outcomes depend on coordination between fund administration, payroll systems and public service records. Child Protection: Lesotho has launched the ChildSafe project to strengthen child protection systems and early childhood development.

Commonwealth Summit: Prime Minister Sam Matekane joined Commonwealth leaders at CHOGM 2026, where they endorsed a communiqué focused on trade, investment, climate finance and development. Its investment pipeline includes 69 projects worth US$34 billion across 20 member countries. Treason Trial: Proceedings in the long-running case involving opposition leader Mothetjoa Metsing, a retired army commander and other accused failed to continue after one defendant fell ill. A police witness remains under cross-examination over the 2014 events at Police Headquarters. Regional Ties: King Letsie III began a visit to Ethiopia on November 3, with officials describing it as a step toward stronger bilateral cooperation. Child Protection: Lesotho launched the ChildSafe project in Maseru to strengthen child protection and early childhood care, with US funding and Catholic Relief Services as an implementing partner.

Treason Trial: Lesotho’s treason case stalled on Tuesday after an accused person fell ill. A police witness remains under cross-examination over alleged torture during a 2014 army raid on police headquarters, where an officer was killed. Economic Diplomacy: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane visited Qatar’s Diamond Exchange with African diplomats as it seeks closer trade links with diamond-producing countries. Child Protection: Lesotho launched the US-funded ChildSafe project to strengthen protection systems and early childhood care, while child advocates urged a stronger response to abuse and disappearances. Royal Diplomacy: King Letsie III began a visit to Ethiopia and led high-level African talks on long-term solutions to hunger. Foreign Policy: Lesotho reaffirmed support for Cuba against the US blockade; the government is preparing assistance for 35 Lesotho students there.

Regional Diplomacy: King Letsie III has begun a working visit to Ethiopia, where he is set to convene an African Union–Red Cross meeting on long-term solutions to hunger. Trade and Investment: In Doha, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane visited the Qatar Diamond Exchange as it sought stronger links with African diamond-producing countries. Child Protection: Lesotho launched the US-funded ChildSafe project to strengthen child protection and early childhood care, including daycare guidance and caregiver training. Public Service: Minister Moeketsi Mots’oane urged officials to turn policies into results, as Lesotho prepares to host a continental public administration conference in December. Trade Policy: Lesotho joined WTO members in backing a renewed Aid for Trade initiative aimed at helping developing economies build capacity and attract investment.

Public Service: Minister Moeketsi Mots’oane says Lesotho must turn strong policies into delivery, as Maseru prepares to host an African public administration conference in December. Food Security: King Letsie III is due to convene an AU-IFRC meeting in Addis Ababa on November 3, pushing for lasting solutions and investment to tackle hunger. Trade Policy: Lesotho joined WTO members in backing a renewed “Aid for Trade” framework to help developing economies build capacity and access finance. Child Protection: The government has launched a US-funded project to strengthen early childhood care and protection for vulnerable children. Political Outlook: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has kept his government in office for four years and improved public finances, but unemployment remains high and a tougher political test looms ahead of the 2028 election.

Public Service Reform: Minister Moeketsi Mots’oane says Lesotho must turn its policies into results through stronger implementation. Maseru will host an African public administration conference on Dec. 8–11. Child Protection: The government has launched the US-funded ChildSafe project with Catholic Relief Services, focusing on vulnerable children and early childhood care. Regional Role: King Letsie III will lead an African Union gathering in Addis Ababa on Nov. 3 to advance lasting solutions to hunger. Military Trial: Retired army chief Tlali Kamoli denied ignoring the chain of command as cross-examination continued in the bombings case. Matekane Government: A four-year review credits the administration with improving public finances and maintaining stability, but flags high unemployment, slowing growth and challenges within the governing party. Human Rights: The Law and Justice Ministry is preparing a work plan to act on UN recommendations covering women, children, people with disabilities and victims of enforced disappearance.

Cross-Border Rules: Nearly 2,900 motorists are backing a class action against South Africa’s revenue service over new registration rules for foreign vehicles, including those from Lesotho. The dispute matters to Basotho who drive across the border, where cars have previously been impounded. Security and Justice: In the Kamoli bombings trial, former army chief Tlali Kamoli denied bypassing the military chain of command and ordering attacks on two homes in 2014. Police say they are still searching for treason-accused politician Tšepo Lipholo, whose whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Matekane Government: Four years into Sam Matekane’s term, public finances have improved, but unemployment remains high and growth is slowing. The next election is expected by early 2028, with the Prime Minister also facing a challenge within his party. Rights and Foreign Relations: The Law Ministry is preparing a plan to act on UN recommendations covering women, children, people with disabilities and victims of enforced disappearance. Lesotho and Indonesia are also exploring cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism and trade.

Kamoli Trial: Retired army chief Tlali Kamoli denied bypassing military command or ordering attacks on two homes in 2014, as cross-examination continued in the bombings trial. Foreign Relations: Lesotho and Indonesia agreed to pursue cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, ICT and trade, and to establish a formal framework for ties. Human Rights: The Law Ministry is drafting a plan to act on UN recommendations covering women, children, people with disabilities and victims of enforced disappearance. Matekane Government: Sam Matekane has reached four years in office, with public finances improved and his coalition still standing. But unemployment remains high, growth is slowing and a party fight could complicate his path to the 2028 election. Regional Role: Lesotho’s incoming chairmanship of SADC’s security organ marks a diplomatic turnaround, but brings fresh pressure to sustain reforms and accountability at home. Policing: Parliament’s law and public safety committee has pledged to recommend more funding for police, citing shortages of vehicles, fuel and staff.

Youth & Politics: JP Dynasty is taking economic and political education tours nationwide, urging young Basotho to take part in decision-making as graduates struggle to find work. Water Delivery: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko says the Rasebala Dam project is intended to ease Mafeteng’s water shortages, following the 2024 drought and earlier support through tanks and boreholes. Rule of Law: Police say they are still searching for treason-accused BCM leader Tšepo Lipholo; his whereabouts remain unconfirmed despite reports he returned to Israel. China Ties: Beijing reaffirmed its commitment to relations with Lesotho and multilateralism, while urging local media to respect its position on Taiwan. Policing: Parliament’s law and public safety committee plans to recommend more funding for police, citing shortages of vehicles, fuel, equipment and staff. Regional Role: Lesotho’s election to chair the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security brings a call for continued reform and accountability at home. Political Realignment: RFP founding member Lebona Lephema is reportedly considering a new party if his bid for deputy leadership fails. Courts & Accountability: A report says retired Justice Ts’eliso Monaphathi left 116 matters unresolved. Separately, the High Court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations for long-delayed dam-related losses.

Youth Politics: JP Dynasty says its nationwide tours, now covering eight districts, are encouraging young Basotho to take part in politics and the economy. Water Supply: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko says work at Rasebala Dam is advancing to improve water supply in drought-hit Mafeteng. Security: Police say they are still searching for treason-accused BCM leader Tšepo Lipholo, whose arrest warrant remains active; his whereabouts are unconfirmed. Policing: Parliament’s law and public safety committee plans to recommend more funding for the police, citing shortages of vehicles, fuel and staff. Regional Role: Lesotho’s incoming chairmanship of SADC’s politics and security organ raises expectations for continued reform and stability at home. Public Accountability: Lesotho’s unfinished Royal Palace project has exceeded M354 million, more than twice its original budget, with an audit reporting major payment irregularities.

Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya called for stronger African cooperation to protect digital systems from cross-border threats. Diplomacy and Trade: Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau met Qatar Diamond Exchange officials to discuss potential cooperation in the diamond sector. A Nigerian customs delegation also visited Maseru Bridge to study Lesotho’s coordinated border operations. Policing: Parliament’s law and public safety committee pledged to recommend more funding for the police, citing shortages of vehicles, fuel, equipment and staff. Regional Leadership: Lesotho’s incoming chair role on the SADC Organ for Politics, Defence and Security marks a diplomatic boost, but also puts pressure on the government to sustain reforms and stability at home. Party Politics: Ruling RFP founder Lebona Lephema is reportedly considering a new party if his bid for the deputy leadership fails; he has consulted disgruntled ABC figures. Public Accountability: A court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams, after years of delay.

Investment Outreach: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Justice Tau met Qatar Diamond Exchange officials to discuss possible cooperation in the diamond trade. Policing: Parliament’s Law and Public Safety Committee says it will recommend more funding for the police, citing shortages of vehicles, fuel, equipment and staff. Party Tensions: RFP founder Lebona Lephema is reportedly considering a new party if his bid for the deputy leadership fails; former ABC figures named in reported talks deny involvement. Regional Security: Lesotho’s appointment to lead the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation brings new regional influence — and pressure to sustain reforms and stability at home. Dam Compensation: A court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay nearly M90 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams, after years of delay. Public Accountability: The Royal Palace project remains unfinished after 16 years, with projected costs above M354 million and an Auditor-General’s report raising concerns over payments to contractors and consultants. Human Rights: Officials urged faster action on outstanding UN recommendations, saying reporting must lead to measurable progress.

Party Politics: Ruling RFP founding member Lebona Lephema is reportedly considering a new party if his bid for the deputy leadership fails; he has consulted disgruntled ABC members, though those approached deny it. Regional Role: Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s appointment as incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security marks a diplomatic boost for Lesotho, but also raises expectations for continued reform and stability at home. Qatar Outreach: In Doha, Matekane promoted investment to diversify the economy and create jobs, while meeting Qatar Diamond Exchange officials to discuss cooperation in the diamond trade. Public Accountability: Maseru’s Royal Palace remains unfinished after 16 years, with projected costs exceeding M354 million against an original M160 million budget; an Auditor-General’s report flagged irregularities in payments. Water Project: The High Court ordered the LHDA to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for long-delayed dam-related compensation. In a separate dispute, it gave the LHDA and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate access to project data. Human Rights: Lesotho was urged to speed up implementation of outstanding UN recommendations, with officials warning that reporting alone is not enough.

Dam Compensation: Lesotho’s High Court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams, after more than 13 years of delays. Public Spending: The Royal Palace project in Maseru remains unfinished 16 years after construction began. Its projected cost has risen from M160 million to more than M354 million, with the Auditor-General flagging irregular payments and a possible final bill above M500 million. Water Project Dispute: The court has given the LHDA and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate the release of data needed to assess whether communities affected by the water project were adequately compensated. Investment Drive: At the World Investment Forum in Doha, Prime Minister Sam Matekane called for foreign investment to diversify the economy, boost exports and create jobs. Human Rights: Lesotho was urged to speed up action on outstanding UN recommendations, with officials warning that repeated delays raise questions about accountability and implementation.

Human Rights: Lesotho has been urged to act on long-standing UN recommendations, with Deputy Attorney General representative Nthabiseng Sekokotoana calling for measurable progress and stronger accountability. Water Project: The High Court gave the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate access to data needed to assess whether communities affected by the water project were adequately compensated. Regional Role: Prime Minister Sam Matekane promoted investment to diversify Lesotho’s economy and create jobs at the World Investment Forum in Doha; he has also been elected incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Public Accountability: The IEC admitted breaching laws over M80 million in procurement, with commissioner Ramoeletsi blamed for the misprocurement.

Investment Agenda: At the World Investment Forum in Doha, Prime Minister Sam Matekane called for foreign investment to diversify Lesotho’s economy, boost exports and create jobs, with stronger links between international investors and local businesses. Water Project Dispute: The High Court has given the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate over data the trust says is needed to assess whether communities affected by the water project were properly compensated. Regional Role: Matekane has been elected incoming chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Digital Services: The government is developing an AI chatbot to provide farmers with agricultural advice, while upgrading computing infrastructure to support research and locally relevant AI applications.