“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This poignant warning by philosopher George Santayana resonates deeply with the current administration of Lesotho. As recent events unfold, it becomes crucial to reflect on the turbulent history of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) and the dire consequences of unchecked military brutality.
This week the High Court of Lesotho ordered the immediate release of Liteboho Mahloane from LDF custody following a legal challenge by his wife, Maleseli Mahloane (CIV/APN/0178/2024). The court’s intervention came only after the LDF finally admitted to holding Mahloane, who was allegedly found with one broken leg and two broken arms—evidence of horrific torture at the hands of LDF members. This incident is not an isolated case but part of a distressing pattern that has plagued Lesotho for over a decade.
Since 2012, the LDF has been embroiled in numerous allegations of brutality and human rights violations. The military’s actions during periods of political instability have often involved excessive force, arbitrary detentions, and torture. These acts then drawn severe condemnation from the international community. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have repeatedly called for reforms and accountability within the LDF, urging the Lesotho government to uphold the rule of law and protect its citizens.
Shockingly there hasn’t been any condemnation from the international community to this date, as they did in the past. This silence could interpreted in many ways…
In 2014, the political crisis that led to what was termed an attempted coup and the subsequent killing of Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao in 2015 highlighted the LDF’s dangerous involvement in political affairs. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) intervened, initiating an inquiry that recommended extensive reforms within the military. However, the implementation of these recommendations has been slow and inadequate, leaving the root issues unaddressed.
The international community’s stance was clear then: the cycle of violence and impunity within the LDF must end. In 2016, the United States threatened aid to Lesotho, citing concerns over human rights abuses by LDF. The European Union also expressed grave concerns, calling for transparency and accountability in addressing the LDF’s misconduct.
Despite these terrible incidents of the past, the brutality persists. The recent case of Liteboho Mahloane is a stark reminder that history is on the verge of repeating itself. The current administration must heed these lessons and take decisive action to prevent further abuses. The LDF’s continued disregard for human rights undermines the very fabric of democracy and stability in Lesotho.
The current administration must learn from the failures of its predecessors. Allowing the LDF to operate with impunity will only lead to the same downfall experienced by past governments. The administration’s fate is inextricably linked to its ability to rein in the military and uphold the principles of justice and human rights.
The government must act swiftly to implement the SADC recommendations and establish a framework for military accountability. This includes independent oversight mechanisms, transparent investigations into allegations of abuse, and strict adherence to the rule of law. Without these measures, the cycle of brutality will continue, and Lesotho will remain trapped in a perpetual state of instability and violence.
In conclusion, the administration must remember that the eyes of the world are watching… The world maybe silent now but history teaches us that they’ll not remain silent forever. The international community’s patience is waning, and the consequences of inaction are dire. Lesotho’s leaders have a choice: to break free from the shackles of history and build a future rooted in justice and accountability, or to succumb to the same mistakes and condemn the nation to further suffering.
