By Machesetsa Mofomobe
I have been fortunate enough to serve this country as deputy minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and my short – stint in that ministry opened my eyes to an already held view about how we manage Lesotho’s interests.
I have been shocked by how Matekane’s administration seems to be driving its foreign policy. The long held view was confirmed during our independence celebrations, when President Cyril Ramaphosa failed to recognise Rwanda’s prime minister, who was also in attendance.
For those who understand foreign relations, that was supposed to be a wake call and this is why;
Lesotho must tread carefully in its foreign policy decisions, especially in its relations with Rwanda. South Africa, our only neighboring country, has had a complicated relationship with Rwanda for years. These tensions are not something we can ignore, especially as they relate to our own national interests.
• Diplomatic relations between South Africa and Rwanda have been fraught since 2013. The assassinations of Rwandan dissidents on South African soil, like former intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya, strained their relationship.
• Both countries expelled diplomats. Rwanda’s President Kagame accuses South Africa of harboring terrorists. Meanwhile, South Africa is criticized for failing to protect asylum seekers.
• Even after attempts to normalize relations in 2018, tensions resurfaced in 2021. Rwanda was accused of spying on South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Lesotho’s increasing closeness to Rwanda is not something that will go unnoticed by South Africa. It risks creating unnecessary friction with our most important trade partner and only neighbor
The recent announcement by the Lesotho government to use drones for medicine delivery, a move clearly inspired by Rwanda, could raise concerns in Pretoria. South Africa sees Rwanda as an adversary, particularly in the context of regional conflicts. Aligning too closely with Rwanda sends a message that Prime Minister Matekane may not fully understand the complexities of the geopolitical landscape.
South Africa has not only accused Rwanda of political assassinations on its soil but also of destabilizing the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Rwanda is widely believed to support the M23 rebel group, which is responsible for violence and unrest in the region. The Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which South Africa is a prominent member, is actively involved in efforts to bring peace to the DRC. South African soldiers have even died in the fight against M23 rebels, making Rwanda’s role in the conflict a source of frustration for Pretoria.
By drawing closer to Rwanda, Matekane risks signaling that he is indifferent to these issues.
Our government should ask itself whether it is worth jeopardizing our relationship with South Africa over initiatives that are, at best, peripheral to our national interests. The use of drones for medical deliveries is ill advised since Lesotho has one of the most efficient primary health care systems in the region, with number of programs which are well funded managing to deliver health services to almost every corner of this country. Drones idea laughable, and it should not come at the cost of our diplomatic ties with our most vital partner.
Lesotho is heavily dependent on South Africa. Thousands of Basotho work in South Africa’s mines, factories, and farms. Remittances from these workers are a lifeline for many families in Lesotho. Our trade routes, electricity supply, and access to critical goods all flow through South Africa. If relations with Pretoria were to deteriorate, the economic consequences for Lesotho could be severe.
Prime Minister Matekane needs to consider the potential fallout from our growing relationship with Rwanda. South Africa may view this as a sign that Lesotho is aligning itself with a country that has undermined South Africa’s regional security objectives. This could lead to diplomatic or economic repercussions that would harm ordinary Basotho.
Rwanda’s influence in the Great Lakes region is undeniable, but it is also controversial. By supporting rebel movements like M23, Rwanda has contributed to instability in the DRC—a situation that South Africa is actively trying to resolve through its involvement in SADC missions. South Africa’s role in the region is about maintaining peace and stability, while Rwanda’s actions have often undermined these goals.
Lesotho cannot afford to get caught in the middle of this. Our foreign policy should be one of balance, prioritizing peace and stability in southern Africa. Aligning ourselves too closely with Rwanda risks alienating our SADC partners, particularly South Africa.
Prime Minister Matekane should tread cautiously when it comes to his relationship with Rwanda. While cooperation on technological innovations like drone deliveries may seem beneficial, we must weigh these short-term gains against the long-term risks. South Africa is our most important partner, and any action that threatens that relationship must be carefully scrutinized.
We cannot afford to appear indifferent to South Africa’s concerns. Our economy, our people, and our security are all deeply connected to South Africa. Any foreign policy that risks jeopardizing that relationship must be reconsidered.
Prime Minister Matekane must take a pragmatic approach to foreign relations, focusing on building alliances that enhance our security and economic stability. We should not be drawn into conflicts or alliances that have little to do with our national interests. Instead, our focus should be on strengthening ties with those who share our goals for peace, security and development in the region.
The issue of “Medical Drones” from Rwanda raises its ugly head at a time when both Lesotho and South Africa are at an advanced stage of preparations for the BNC (Binational Commission summit)
South Africa is not just our neighbor—it is our lifeline. We must never forget that. Lesotho should not be used as a Rwandan spy satellite.
