Whatever to Hide From the Truth

This week, the opposition came forward strongly in parliament, highlighting concerns about how the Matekane-led government may be misusing the Constitution to inhibit peaceful protests. 

Since time immemorial, marches or protests, peaceful, have always been the public’s way of expressing complaints to the government. 

Throughout history, the people have expressed their grievances this way, exercising their right to communicate their concerns to those in power. Traditionally, Basotho have been granted permits by the police for peaceful demonstrations.

However, there seems to be a newly proposed law, yet to be gazetted, maybe, that requires individuals to seek permission directly from the prime minister before obtaining approval from the police to march. 

The police boss, Compol Borotho Matsoso, was heard on local radio stations reinforcing this law, suggesting that those denied permission are welcome to seek resolution through the courts of law. 

I bet we all heard him silently laugh after uttering these words.

Opposition MPs like Machesetsa Mofomobe, leader of the Basotho National Party (BNP), voiced their disbelief at this development, citing countries like Israel and South Africa that support the right to protest. He cautioned the government that imposing such restrictions could draw negative attention from international bodies and development partners.

Questions have started arising about the independence of the police; are their decisions made autonomously or influenced by political motives?

Many Basotho have taken to social media to express their views on the matter, suggesting that it is probably high time the police take off their uniform and dress in political regalia because they are clearly failing to distinguish between being protectors of the law and being political enforcers.

The public is questioning the motives of the current government and how it aligns with its promises of transparent governance aimed at creating the Lesotho that the people desire. 

But where is the transparency in blocking citizens from voicing their concerns to the prime minister without just cause? 

How can we envision the Lesotho of our dreams when the police are positioned as gatekeepers undermining the people’s voices? 

Just recently, an unarmed student at the National University of Lesotho lost their life due to police action during a protest over educational rights. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the urgent need for dialogue and open communication. 

Or perhaps this is the kind of stability the government seeks—where citizens feel compelled to protest without permits, driven by their concerns. As civil citizens, we merit the right to express our needs without fear or any restrictions.

But we do understand, when this happens, protesting illegally, the police can finally be useful, shoot and kill protestors and add more names to their victims list. 

We will, however, expect a statement that will later read something like “no permit was granted for the march, therefore we had to act to eliminate any possible danger that could come with the march. We do not wish to have a repeat of the 1998 massacre.”

But there isn’t much we can say to advise this government on how to handle its matters. Anyway, it is always alert to play victim; we are being fought from all angles. 

But it must recognise urgency in addressing these issues and many others before it is too late. The growing disconnect between the government and its people needs immediate attention to rebuild the lost confidence. 

But if this is indeed the path of revolution, then we, the humble citizens, whose rights are forever violated, whose voices can not even be heard in the corridors of the state house, must remain hopeful and engaged, for we possess no power to contribute towards meaningful change.

We are the children of the nation in its literal sense. Let us obey the rules of our leaders and follow in their commands.