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SADC facilitator cancels mediation visit to Lesotho

Xinhua, February 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

Political parties on Friday voiced disappointment that South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as mediator of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has cancelled a visit to the kingdom.

Ramaphosa had been expected to arrive on Thursday to meet coalition leaders to pave way for the Feb. 28 elections.

Although the South African government had not publicly announced the visit, political parties in Lesotho said the visit had been planned.

Ramaphosa's office was not available for comment.

The Lesotho Basotho National Party, a partner in the coalition government, urged Ramaphosa to add more impetus to the peace process at a time when the security situation was worsening.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Congress said it wants Ramaphosa to reign-in what it calls, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's continued violations of the electoral pledge.

Ramaphosa has reiterated his view that preparations for holding a free and fair election in Lesotho remains on course and continue unabated.

Despite this, tension has been mounting these days after King Letsie III appointed Kananelo Mosito as President of the Court of Appeal.

Despite opposition from several political parties, Thabane went ahead with Mosito's swearing-in ceremony in late January, an event boycotted by Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, who is Thabane's political foe.

Opponents say the appointment was a violation of the electoral agreement mediated by Ramaphosa.

The agreement obliges political parties to defer senior appointments until after the poll.

Last weekend, a security guard of Thabane was killed and two soldiers were wounded in a shooting that further worsened the security situation.

Thabane's government is on a caretaker basis following the dissolution of parliament on Dec. 5 last year.

The National Assembly was dissolved to pave way for the snap election, which followed the collapse of the coalition government led by Thabane.

Lesotho has been in political turmoil since June last year when Thabane suspended Parliament to avoid a vote of no confidence that was being pushed by his coalition government partners.

In late August last year, a coup to oust Thabane was thwarted. Endi