Lesotho News & Current Events

Thabane Flees to South Africa

On Aug. 30, 2014, Prime Minister Thabane fled Lesotho for South Africa. Thabane claimed that he left because the military was attempting a coup and planning to kill him. The military denied his claims. Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing took over as prime minister in Thabane's absence. With the protection of the South African police, Thabane returned to Lesotho on Sept. 3. He remained prime minister until the 2015 general election.

Lesotho held the general election on Feb. 28, 2015. No party won the majority. However, the opposition Democratic Congress party formed a coalition government. On March 17, Pakalitha Mosisili was sworn in as prime minister. Mosisili previous served as prime minister from 1998 through 2012.

See also Encyclopedia: Lesotho .
U.S. State Dept. Country Notes: Lesotho