The government of Prime Minister Sam Matekane is grappling with escalating famo gang violence that has left the nation reeling.
The recent brutal murders in Fobane, where innocent lives, including that of a pregnant women and children, were tragically cut short, have ignited national outrage. Yet, the government’s response has been less about innovative solutions and more about invoking archaic, dictatorial laws which have no place in a democratic country like Lesotho.
Police minister Hon. Lebona Lephema’s decision to declare famo gangs as subversive and unlawful organizations marks a lazy turn in the government’s approach, perhaps summarising the current administration’s performance… The issuance of a gazette to outlaw these groups and the punitive measures against individuals associated with them has sparked significant backlash from society and opposition political parties.
Dr. Mahlape Morai, former acting Lesotho Mounted Police Services Commissioner, further inflamed the situation by threatening to arrest anyone playing famo music associated with banned gangs, including radio and TV presenters. Her assertion that listening to or promoting such music equates to supporting criminal organizations is a chilling echo of oppressive regimes where basic freedoms are curtailed under the guise of national security, a reason in the main why this administration shouldn’t be allowed to impose state of emergency.
“If you are promoting their music or encouraging it, know that it is a crime,” Dr. Morai declared. “Listening to a song purely translates into supporting it. By listening to that song I am supporting [it], and that is a crime.”
This heavy-handed approach is not just limited to music. Journalists, tasked with informing the public, now face the threat of arrest for sourcing news from banned gang members. “When they come back and tell the public about it, they are committing a crime,” Dr. Morai warned, implying that any dissemination of such information could be deemed criminal.
The Matekane administration’s contemplation of declaring a state of emergency further exacerbates fears of authoritarian rule.
Opposition parties vehemently opposed this move, arguing that it would lead to a significant erosion of civil liberties. The prospect of security agencies, already accused of harassment, gaining broader powers under a state of emergency is a terrifying thought for many.
The invocation of Section 10 of the Internal Security Act, No. 24 of 1984, to ban famo gangs reflects a reliance on outdated and repressive laws. While the Act allows the Minister to declare any organization unlawful if deemed subversive, it also opens the door to broad and unchecked governmental powers. The declaration makes it a criminal offense to support, promote, or associate with these organizations in any capacity.
Thomas Hobbes’ social contract theory, where people surrendered some freedoms for state protection, is being twisted to justify these draconian measures. The Constitution of Lesotho, which guarantees freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, is under siege. Matekane’s government undermines Lesotho’s constitution, it appears that it is more intent on exerting control than addressing the root causes of gang violence.
The real issue lies in the deep-seated socio-economic factors fueling the rise of these gangs. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities drive individuals towards gang affiliation. Banning famo music or threatening journalists does nothing to address these underlying issues. Leader of Basotho National Party, Hon. Machesetsa Mofomobe rightly argue for a broader approach that tackles poverty and provides viable alternatives.
The recent parliamentary debate over the proposed state of emergency revealed stark divisions. While the government insists on its necessity to curb violence, the opposition fears the encroachment on fundamental freedoms. The skepticism is not unfounded; stories of security forces overstepping their bounds, such as the army raiding a funeral on reports of illegal firearms, paint a grim picture of what might come under a state of emergency.
Prime Minister Matekane’s government must find a balance between enforcing security and respecting civil liberties. His campaign promise to crack down on gang violence now rings hollow as his administration resorts to oppressive tactics. The villagers, who have long suffered from gang violence, deserve a government that addresses their plight without resorting to dictatorial measures.
In seeking to enforce security, Matekane risks alienating the very people he seeks to protect. Giving the army and other security agencies unlimited powers is not the answer. Instead, the government must engage with dissenting voices, explore comprehensive solutions, and uphold the constitutional rights of its citizens. Only then can Lesotho hope to overcome the scourge of gang violence without sacrificing its democratic principles.
