Maseru – Lesotho’s political temperature soared on Friday after Hon. Mokhothu Makhalanyane, Chair of Chairs in the National Assembly, issued an explosive statement accusing ministers and senior government officials of sabotaging accountability institutions and waging a campaign of intimidation against independent civil servants.
In a fiery press release dated 7 November 2025, Makhalanyane praised senior officials who were dismissed or forced out for resisting political interference, including Advocate Mathabo Makoko, the Commissioner General of the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), and Mrs. Likhapha Mahase, the Accountant General, whose contract was not renewed. He also referenced Advocate Seeng Matsoša and Mr. Moepana Kopo of the Asset Recovery team, who were dismissed after exposing irregularities in government asset management.
“These are not moments of weakness, but powerful ingredients, rich and sacred, watering the roots of Lesotho’s liberation struggle against corruption, maladministration, and the abuse of political power,” Makhalanyane declared.
He accused sections of the executive of undermining the rule of law through “intimidation and interference” and said those targeted had chosen “principle over convenience, and truth over silence.” His remarks are seen as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s administration, which has been accused of using fear and executive power to silence dissent within public institutions.
Makhalanyane warned that the current pattern of political interference, coming just weeks after Lesotho hosted the SADCOPAC 2025 conference on parliamentary oversight, was “flabbergasting” and risked destroying both public confidence and the country’s international image.
“Their courage must inspire Parliament, the Judiciary, the Media, Civil Society, and every Mosotho to rise above fear and defend the soul of our democracy,” he wrote. “Power is not a weapon to silence the righteous, it is a responsibility to serve with integrity.”
In a striking passage that could deepen tensions between Parliament and the executive, Makhalanyane said the committees of Parliament were ready to confront corruption “regardless of consequences.” He admitted that the past weeks had placed a “heavy load” on his shoulders, but vowed that oversight committees would no longer be bullied or compromised.
“Their sacrifice is our call to action. Their pain is the seed of a freer Lesotho,” Makhalanyane concluded.
His statement is likely to trigger a fierce political storm within the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), coming amid open rebellion by the party’s backbenchers and widespread criticism of Matekane’s handling of governance and accountability.
