Lesotho's Foreign Affairs Minister Tlohang Sekhamane addressed the issue of periodic instability in the country, attributing it to poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth. Speaking at a Development for Peace Education (DPE) memorial dialogue, he emphasized the coalition government's commitment to tackling these issues as part of their broader objectives to restore peace, political stability, deepen democracy, and respect human rights. The government's plans include graduating from the Least Developed Country status, implementing security reforms, and increasing citizen participation in governance. These efforts align with the Vision 2020, National Strategic Development Plan, Africa Peer Review Mechanism, and the government’s Coalition Agreement programme.

Thomas Thabane, the exiled leader of the All Basotho Convention (ABC), has urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to assume command of Lesotho's army and police during a period of proposed radical political and security reforms. At a press conference in South Africa, Thabane emphasized the need for an inclusive reform process, referencing the 1998 Interim Political Authority as a model. He highlighted the necessity of ending the problematic relationship between the Lesotho Defence Force and the government to ensure credible reforms. Thabane also discussed the challenges faced by Lesotho's first coalition government and the need for constitutional and institutional reforms to address issues such as the misuse of the Proportional Representation electoral model and Senate seats. He called for international support from the African Union, United Nations, and Commonwealth, and stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict to achieve lasting peace and stability in Lesotho.

The article discusses Lesotho's reliance on the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for economic support and its anticipation for the renewal of its eligibility by the United States. Esther Githui-Ewart from VOA hosts Billy Ntaote, a Mandela Washington Fellow and a journalist from Lesotho, to provide more insight into the matter. The discussion likely revolves around the implications of AGOA for Lesotho's economy and the country's future prospects in light of this trade legislation.

The SADC Commission of Inquiry report has recommended the dismissal of Lesotho Defence Force commander Lieutenant-General Tlali Kamoli to restore trust in the military among the Basotho people. The report, led by Justice Mpaphi Phumaphi, investigates the circumstances surrounding the death of former LDF commander Maaparankoe Mahao and other issues such as alleged mutiny, killings, and kidnappings. It criticizes the conduct of the LDF under Kamoli's command and suggests that his reinstatement led to further divisions and instability. The report also highlights the LDF's refusal to cooperate with police investigations and the politicization of the security sector. Recommendations include Kamoli's dismissal, suspension of LDF officers implicated in serious crimes, and a review of the constitution to address the overlapping mandates of security institutions. Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili has stated that the government will selectively implement recommendations, casting doubt on the full adoption of the report's suggestions.

Dr Leketekete Ketso, a former finance minister, has cautioned the Lesotho government against using its foreign currency reserves to cover a budget deficit, as it could negatively impact investor confidence and make borrowing more difficult. During a review of the 2016/2017 national budget, Dr Ketso highlighted the challenges posed by the decline in revenues from the Southern African Customs Union and stressed the importance of fiscal adjustment to maintain macro-fiscal stability. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Dr 'Mamphono Khaketla, showed a shortfall that the government plans to cover through various means, including drawing from the country's US$600 million reserve fund. Dr Ketso advised against this, suggesting it could lead to economic turmoil and difficulty in government borrowing.

The Lesotho government has offered Charles Putsoane, the Chief Delegate of the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC), a M6 million exit package to leave his position before his contract ends in March 2017. Putsoane has until the following day to decide on the offer, which was increased from a previous M5 million. The LHWC, a major infrastructure partnership between Lesotho and South Africa, is responsible for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Efforts to remove Putsoane began under the previous government and have continued under the current administration, with accusations of incompetence and insubordination. Putsoane, who has a long history with the LHWP, has sued Rethabile Mosisili for attempting to dismiss him unfairly. Mosisili has denied ambitions for Putsoane's position but is open to considering it if offered.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) advanced Lesotho's elections to February from 2017 to help stabilize the political situation. However, the killing of former Lesotho Defence Force chief, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, by LDF members has highlighted ongoing security issues. A SADC commission of inquiry, led by Botswana judge Mpaphi Phumaphi, was established to investigate the disturbances. The commission's focus includes the controversial demotions and promotions within the LDF, Mahao's death, and an alleged mutiny plot. Lesotho's government and opposition have clashed over the commission's terms of reference, with the government accused of trying to obstruct the commission's work. The LDF, under Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, has threatened non-cooperation, particularly on matters related to the mutiny. The commission's effectiveness is in doubt, given the government's history of disregarding SADC recommendations and the prime minister's control over the publication of the commission's report.

Masupha Sole, a senior official in Lesotho who was previously jailed for corruption related to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, is under investigation again. Despite objections from South Africa, Sole was reappointed as an adviser to the project after his release in 2011. South Africa's former water minister, Edna Molewa, demanded his removal due to concerns about raising international loan finance. The current investigation focuses on the R1.6-million salary Sole received for advisory services and the procurement and funding of his services. Lesotho attempted to pay his salary from the budget of the bilateral commission, mainly funded by South Africa, and later sought treasury approval to redirect funds from the project. The anticorruption directorate is investigating the consultancy services provided by Sole, with allegations of his influence over government decisions and close ties to the prime minister's son and King Letsie III.

In Lesotho, there is speculation that Michael Ramodibedi, who was dismissed as Swaziland's chief justice and faced impeachment in Lesotho, might be reinstated as the president of Lesotho's Court of Appeal. The legal community in Lesotho opposes any such move. Ramodibedi's dismissal in Swaziland was recommended by the Judicial Service Commission and followed an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission. Lesotho's foreign minister, Tlohang Sekhamane, made statements suggesting a 'soft landing' for Ramodibedi, and it is believed that the Lesotho government facilitated his safe return from Swaziland. The current president of the Court of Appeal, Kananelo Mosito, and the president of the Lesotho Law Society, Shale Shale, have expressed that they are either unaware of or would resist Ramodibedi's reinstatement.

Boichoko Ditlhake, the Executive Director of SADC-CNGO, criticized the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for its standard approach of prescribing elections to resolve crises in member states without addressing the underlying socio-economic issues. During a pre-elections assessment mission in Lesotho, Ditlhake highlighted concerns over the security situation and divisions between the army and police. He emphasized the need for SADC facilitator Cyril Ramaphosa to address these issues before the upcoming snap elections in Lesotho. Ditlhake also noted the readiness of stakeholders for the elections despite the short preparation time and called for SADC to implement a long-term plan for security sector reform and to maintain a presence in Lesotho post-election to ensure stability. He urged political parties to respect electoral accords and the electorate's will.