“Challenges Facing Lesotho’s Prime Minister in Fulfilling Human Rights Promises”

Amnesty International Reports Human Rights Violations in Lesotho and Urges Prime Minister to Act Swiftly

Table of Contents

Introduction

According to a briefing by Amnesty International, Prime Minister Sam Matekane of Lesotho must act swiftly to tackle human rights violations perpetrated by the security forces in the country. Amnesty International noted that violations such as torture, unlawful killings, and cruel treatment of persons in detention have been carried out by police officers. The human rights violations have been on the rise in the past five years, but the police have neglected or refused to investigate allegations of torture, deaths in custody, and ill-treatment.

Matekane had promised reforms during his inauguration, including combating corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability in public service. However, there has been a worrying rise in gun violence, targeted killings, and a lack of accountability for past human rights violations.

Human Rights Violations

The briefing by Amnesty International reveals shocking cases of human rights violations in Lesotho. Police officers have been documented committing human rights violations ranging from unlawful killings, torture, and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of persons in detention. Despite these violations, police authorities have neglected or refused to investigate allegations of torture, ill-treatment, and deaths in custody.

Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) is yet to hold anyone accountable for the killing of Kapano Francis Mokutoane, who was a 27-year-old student at the National University of Lesotho. Mokutoane died following a shooting by members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service on campus in Roma during student protests against cuts to their allowance. The circumstances around his death suggested that it was an unlawful killing.

Additionally, a human rights lawyer, Napo Mafaesa, was tortured and severely beaten by police after he was accused of concealing a gun belonging to a client, a claim he denies. A 46-year-old woman, Mateboho Matekane, was subjected to torture at Lithoteng police station by three police officers after being accused of stealing money from a community savings club, an allegation she denied.

During a meeting with Amnesty International, National Police Commissioner Holomo Molibeli did not deny allegations of torture in the police service but attributed these violations to “rogue elements” within the police ranks. Police are now facing civil actions for the deaths in custody of two men in Hlotse, where the bodies bore signs of physical assault leading to their deaths.

Call to Action

Amnesty International is calling on the Lesotho government and Prime Minister Matekane to ensure that all allegations of human rights violations by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) are promptly, thoroughly, independently, transparently, and effectively investigated. Amnesty International also called for the perpetrators of these violations to be brought to justice in fair trials, and for victims to be provided with access to justice and effective remedies.

Prime Minister Matekane and his government must act swiftly to ensure accountability for these past human rights violations in order to build a culture of accountability and the rule of law going forward. Justice delayed is justice denied. Time is not on his side. The government must immediately take effective measures to respect human rights.

Conclusion

The government of Lesotho must take human rights violations seriously and ensure that all parties responsible for these violations are held accountable. Prime Minister Matekane must seize this opportunity to rewrite the country’s human rights history. He must ensure his long-promised reforms are implemented immediately to end human rights violations. An effective system for protecting human rights must be put in place. It is time for Lesotho to move forward and prioritize human rights, ensuring transparency and accountability for all.

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