Maseru – The Leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP), Hon. Machesetsa Mofomobe, has written to the United States Ambassador in Maseru warning that Lesotho’s continued access to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is at risk due to deteriorating governance standards.
In a strongly worded letter dated 29 September 2025, Mofomobe urged the U.S. to take note of what he described as “critical and crucial” concerns that threaten not only Lesotho’s economic stability but also the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Basotho families employed in the textile and apparel industries.
AGOA, which provides duty-free access for African exports into U.S. markets, has been central to Lesotho’s economy for two decades. Its benefits, however, are tied to compliance with democratic governance, human rights, and transparency.
Governance Failures Highlighted
Mofomobe’s letter outlines several alleged failures by government:
• Suppression of peaceful assembly: Citizens’ rights to demonstrate have reportedly been restricted, undermining democratic participation.
• Harassment of journalists: The recent detention of a Lesotho Times journalist is cited as an attack on press freedom and the public’s right to information.
• Corruption and conflicts of interest: Mofomobe points to reports of ministers engaged in business dealings with their own ministries, raising concerns of impunity.
• Undermining judicial independence: The suspension of the Director of Public Prosecutions, despite a Constitutional Court ruling against it, is framed as a direct threat to the rule of law.
“These developments, if left unaddressed, could undermine Lesotho’s eligibility under AGOA,” Mofomobe cautions, stressing that the cost would be borne by ordinary citizens through job losses, reduced foreign investment, and weakened economic welfare.
Call for U.S. Engagement
The BNP leader appeals for Washington to actively engage the Government of Lesotho on these issues to ensure the country does not fall short of AGOA requirements. He frames his intervention as being motivated by the welfare of Basotho rather than partisan politics, emphasizing the need to “reinforce democratic governance, protect human rights, and preserve economic stability.”
Mofomobe’s correspondence comes at a delicate time as the U.S. reviews AGOA renewals across Africa. For Lesotho, the stakes are particularly high, given the country’s dependence on textile exports to the American market.
