Lesotho Lawyers for Human Rights (LLHR) and the Advocates for the Supremacy of the Constitution (SECTION 2) have jointly expressed deep concern and condemnation over the recent remarks made by Major General Matela Matobakele, Deputy Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), and Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane.
The statements attributed to Major General Matobakele, which have been circulating on social media, reveal a disturbing mindset within the upper echelons of the LDF. Major General Matobakele reportedly described lawyers and judges handling cases involving individuals arrested by the army as “senseless” and suggested that these legal professionals might deserve brutality. Such rhetoric is a direct attack on the rule of law and an incitement to criminal behavior, setting a dangerous precedent for the conduct of the military in Lesotho.
Lesotho Lawyers for Human Rights emphasized that the possession of state weaponry does not grant any legitimacy to actions that contravene the law. Lesotho, as a democratic nation, is founded on the principles of the rule of law and accountability. The statements made by Major General Matobakele, according to LLHR, indicate a preference for barbaric and unlawful methods in dealing with crime, rather than respecting the legal process.
The Advocates for the Supremacy of the Constitution also condemned the remarks made by Prime Minister Matekane, who reportedly urged the LDF to adopt the same tactics used in Mozambique to restore peace in Lesotho. SECTION 2 argued that such an approach is unwarranted and baseless, as Lesotho is not facing the same level of conflict as Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. The Prime Minister’s comments were described as inflammatory and dangerous, fostering an environment of fear and instability.
“Lesotho is not embroiled in a war, nor is it facing extremism akin to that which plagues Cabo Delgado province in Mozambique. Such inflammatory rhetoric is both baseless and dangerous, as it fosters an environment of fear and instability. The Prime Minister must uphold peace through lawful and democratic means, not through militaristic and authoritarian threats,” reads SECTION 2 statement.
SECTION 2 further reminded Major General Matobakele of his own history with the LDF. Just a few years ago, he and several other soldiers were forced to flee the country, running from the very institution he now represents. During that time, human rights defenders and the judiciary played a critical role in securing the release of soldiers who were subjected to alleged torture at the Maseru Maximum Security Prison. It is deeply ironic and disturbing that Major General Matobakele, once a victim of the army’s atrocities, is now attacking the very defenders and judicial processes that once protected him.
The statement from LLHR and SECTION 2 highlights that the constitution of Lesotho, particularly Section 8(1), proscribes torture, degrading, and inhuman treatment. The courts play a vital role in upholding human rights, and any attempt to undermine their authority or threaten legal professionals is an affront to the democratic values on which Lesotho is built.
Both organizations have called on the Lesotho Defence Force and the government to reflect on these troubling statements and issue public retractions. They have also urged the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to respecting the constitution and the rule of law. Should the LDF fail to address this misconduct within seven days, LLHR has indicated that they will take the matter to court for appropriate relief.
This incident has sparked outrage among civil society organizations and legal professionals who view the remarks as a significant threat to the independence of the judiciary and the protection of human rights in Lesotho. As SECTION 2 aptly stated, “It is the duty of all government institutions to respect and observe the independence of the judiciary.” The nation now watches closely to see whether the government will take steps to rectify this alarming situation and uphold the principles that are the foundation of Lesotho’s democracy.
