RFP Building it’s army – Mofomobe

A voice clip circulating across the country has thrown the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) into a fresh storm. In the recording, a party member from Moselinyane constituency explains how the ruling party allegedly allocated five people per constituency for recruitment into the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF). The problem is the scale behind the claim. Publicly, the LDF offered 500 posts, yet the voice clip suggests RFP had already taken up 400 of them.

For many Basotho, this is the worst form of political favouritism. What should have been a nationwide, open recruitment exercise is now being read as a partisan rollout designed to reward loyal followers.

The Basotho National Party (BNP) leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, has condemned the revelations. He accused the RFP of quietly building its own army under the cover of state structures. 

“This is not recruitment. This is a political project,” he said, warning that the country cannot afford a defence force whose loyalty is tied to a political party instead of the nation.

Basotho on social media say the alleged move directly contradicts the promises the RFP made when it entered office. The party had campaigned on fairness, merit and an end to nepotism.

Attempts to get comment from RFP spokesperson were unsuccessful. Inside the party, however, some members are already uneasy. Sources say there is concern that the scandal may deepen the growing perception that the government is losing its grip on its own elections promises.

Mofomobe warns that politicising the defence force is a dangerous path. The LDF carries the responsibility of protecting the country. Once its ranks are filled through political patronage, the public begins to question whom the army serves.

BNP insists this scandal cannot be allowed to pass quietly. The party plans to push for a full investigation and for government to publish the recruitment list alongside the actual criteria used.

Meanwhile, many young Basotho who applied in good faith say they now feel cheated. They believed the 500 posts were open to everyone. Instead, they are left wondering whether they ever had a real chance.

For the RFP, this controversy goes beyond a leaked clip. It cuts into its credibility, its promises and the trust it worked hard to build. And unless the government addresses it transparently, the suspicion that the ruling party is building a loyalist army will only grow louder.