The “decision” by Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s administration to ban public demonstrations is one of the most reckless and short-sighted moves since he came into office. It is not only a constitutional blunder but also a betrayal of the very spirit of democracy he claims to defend. Demonstrations are not a privilege bestowed by leaders on the people. They are a right. A right that sits at the core of every functioning democracy.
What kind of democratic leader looks at citizens voicing their concerns and responds with a ban? What does it say about Matekane’s understanding of the office he holds? Or perhaps the better question is, does he even care to understand? Democracy is not tidy. It is not meant to be comfortable for those in power. It is meant to be noisy, messy, sometimes disruptive. That is the nature of citizens demanding accountability.
When a government denies its people the right to demonstrate, it strips away a critical safeguard against authoritarian drift. Is Matekane trying to signal that his government cannot withstand criticism? Is this the beginning of a slow march toward abolishing democracy altogether?
The irony is painful. This is the same Matekane who rode into State House on the wave of public hope and citizen enthusiasm. He branded himself as a fresh alternative to the politics of old. Yet now he is proving to be no different, if not worse, because he cloaks repressive actions in the language of order and governance.
A ban on demonstrations is not order. It is fear. It reveals a government too insecure to face its people and too arrogant to learn from dissent. Instead of listening to what citizens are saying, Matekane’s administration has chosen to silence them. This is not strength. It is stupidity of the highest order.
History does not forget leaders who confused the silence of the people with peace. Silence can be a dangerous illusion. It builds resentment beneath the surface until it erupts. Is Matekane prepared for that moment? Is he prepared to deal with the consequences of denying citizens their most basic democratic right?
If this government had wise counsel around it, they would have reminded the Prime Minister that demonstrations are not the problem. They are the thermometer of society. They show where anger is rising and where government is failing. Banning them does not solve the problem. It hides it. And any leader who chooses to hide problems rather than confront them is setting himself up for failure.
Matekane may think he is tightening control, but in reality he is losing legitimacy. Once people believe their right to protest has been stolen, they begin to question whether their vote has any meaning either. From there, it is only a matter of time before trust evaporates.
Lesotho’s democracy is fragile. For Matekane to tamper with it in this way is not only foolish but dangerous. If the Prime Minister truly sees himself as a democrat, then he must reverse this decision immediately. Otherwise, we are left to wonder: is he planning to lead a democracy or abolish it?
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