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1. Colonial Era (1868-1966)
- Lesotho was colonized in 1868 by the British, when its king, Moshoeshoe I, requested protection against the increasing encroachment of the Boers in the then surroundings. Today's South Africa.
It was ruled as Basutoland, a British protectorate, but retained its monarchy and some degree of internal autonomy.
Basutoland was administered separately from the Union of South Africa and thus could not be a part of the apartheid regime.
2. Independence in 1966
- On October 4, 1966, Lesotho was finally granted full independence from Britain to become the Kingdom of Lesotho, with King Moshoeshoe II as its constitutional monarch.
The First Prime Minister of the country was Chief Leabua Jonathan headed the Basotho National Party (BNP).
The government was once democratic, but friction also appeared virtually overnight among the political parties and between the monarchy and political leadership.
3. Political Instability and Military Rule
- In 1970, Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan annulled the elections when it seemed that his party was going to lose to the Basotho Congress Party (BCP) led by Ntsu Mokhehle. This then caused political unrest.
Until the military putsch in 1986 overthrew him, Jonathan ruled autocratically. All this time, King Moshoeshoe II played a near insignificant role.
From 1986 to 1993, the country was under a military junta supported by South Africa. In some measure because Lesotho had served as a sanctuary to anti-apartheid resistance fighters, during this period Lesotho was also widely influenced by South Africa.
4. Transition Back to Democracy in 1993
- 1993 saw democratic elections held and won by the BCP, under the stewardship of Ntsu Mokhehle.
His rule was also further challenged by economic instability, spiraling political infighting, and military tensions.
The monarchy was also embroiled, with King Moshoeshoe II being in short-term exile and his son King Letsie III succeeding to the throne. Moshoeshoe II returned to regain the throne; however, he died in 1996 and Letsie III took up the throne permanently.
5. The Post-1998 Political Crises
Democratic institutions in Lesotho have been fragile with recurring episodes of political instability. In 1998, due to the disputed results of the elections, the country waded into a serious political crisis. Protests and subsequent violence prompted South African-led military intervention under the auspices of SADC aimed at the restoration of order. But political struggle, coups, and tension between the military and civilian governments continued until well into the 21st century.
6. Good Governance and Development
Lesotho has been trying to stabilize democracy during the last few decades. The country has still retained a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system of government.
Lesotho, despite democratic gains, is still plagued by relentless fighting over political power, poverty, and underdevelopment. There are many agricultural sectors here, plus the remittances from the workers in South Africa. The other major benefit for Lesotho is its Lesotho Highlands Water Project, exporting water to South Africa and providing hydroelectric power.
7. Economic and Social Conditions
Lesotho is classified as a lower-middle-income country, but there is still massive unemployment and pockets of poverty. - The HIV/AIDS epidemic has badly hit the country, with one of the highest prevalence rates in the world, thus even affecting life expectancy and health services. - Textile exports, particularly to the United States, have helped the country, but the economy remains very fragile and dependent on South Africa.
8. Foreign Relations and Geopolitical Position
- Lesotho, while closely maintaining relations with its neighbor South Africa, has made similar efforts to balance this by opening to other countries and international institutions. The country has adhered to the positions expressed by the AU, UN, and the regional body SADC. Basically, since its decolonization, Lesotho has been guided by internal political challenges of stabilizing democratic governance and its economic dependence on South Africa. Its uniqueness in being a constitutional monarchy within the framework of democracy continues to shape its development
https://www.sahistory.org.za/
https://www.un.org/en/
https://www.imf.org/en/About/Factsheets/Sheets/2022/IMF-World-Bank-New
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