Maseru – A revolt is brewing inside the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) as backbench MPs have boycotted parliamentary sittings since Monday, demanding that Prime Minister Sam Matekane fire what they describe as “corrupt ministers bleeding the party and the nation.”
The group of MPs, who make up the government’s restless backbench, accuse six cabinet members of corruption and abuse of office. Those named include Matjato Moteane, Nthati Moorosi, Motlatsi Maqelepo, Ntoi Rapapa, Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, and Lebona Lephema.
Sources close to the dissenting MPs told Lesotho Tribune that the boycott is part of a broader effort to “reclaim the RFP’s founding values” which, they say, have been eroded by self-enrichment and arrogance in Matekane’s cabinet. “We are not against the Prime Minister, we are defending the integrity of the movement he founded,” one MP said.
The standoff escalated today when the backbenchers convened a meeting demanding Matekane’s presence to discuss the crisis. However, instead of attending, the Prime Minister reportedly sent a letter warning the MPs to return to Parliament immediately and cautioning them against “conduct unbecoming of members of the ruling party.”
see attached letter below
The MPs have dismissed the letter as intimidation. They insist they will not resume parliamentary business until Matekane takes decisive action against what they call “a clique of corrupt ministers shielded by the Prime Minister’s silence.”
The rebellion marks one of the most serious internal challenges to Matekane’s leadership since RFP came to power. It exposes growing frustration within the party over allegations of never seen corruption, ministers awarding themselves government contracts and nepotism in key positions.
For now, the backbenchers say their boycott will continue indefinitely. “This is not a protest against government,” another MP said. “It is a protest to bring back the soul of RFP.”
Today parliament didn’t proceed because there was no quorum as the RFP MPs defied Matekane’s orders. See picture below;
who will blink first? Let us know in the comment section below
