…warns poor conditions could trigger unrest among soldiers
Mohloai Mpesi
LESOTHO Defence Force (LDF) Commander, Lieutenant-General Mojalefa Letsoela, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the M868.9 million budget allocated to the army for the 2026/2027 financial year, warning that deteriorating living conditions for soldiers could eventually lead to unrest within the ranks if not addressed.
Lt-Gen Letsoela raised the concerns on Friday when the LDF and the Ministry of Defence appeared before the Portfolio Committee on the Prime Minister’s Ministries and Departments, Governance, Foreign Relations and Information Cluster committee for consultations on the 2026/2027 national budget.
Addressing the Committee, the army commander said the current allocation did not adequately reflect the realities faced by soldiers stationed at military bases across the country. He described difficult day-to-day living conditions characterised by limited resources, food shortages and deteriorating infrastructure.
He claimed the LDF command had not been sufficiently consulted during the budget planning process, saying the army was typically informed only of the final allocation and spending ceiling for the financial year.
The issue was raised after Democratic Congress (DC) legislator for Tsoelike, Tšeliso Nkoefoshe, expressed concern over reports of deteriorating living conditions for soldiers.
He said reports that soldiers were surviving largely on beans and pap raised questions about their ability to effectively carry out their mandate of protecting the nation.
“The LDF used to be one of the most respected institutions in the country, with well-fed soldiers. Everything was there. The bases had beef, meat, fish and biscuits,” Mr Nkoefoshe said.
“What changed for the situation to deteriorate to a point where soldiers are now eating beans and peas? The current living conditions at the LDF are unacceptable. Are these the people we should entrust with protecting the nation if they are not properly fed?”
In response, Lt-Gen Letsoela said the LDF budget had declined drastically over the years, making it increasingly difficult for the army to carry out its operations.
“We are now at a point where meaningful recovery will be difficult unless the budgeting approach changes. I have been commander of the army for about five years and I have not seen any improvement,” he said.
“We also do not understand how the LDF is allocated a budget without proper consultation with the army command. The budget has deteriorated significantly since around 2012. It is painful when you are entrusted with the welfare of the army but do not have the resources to address their needs.”
Food scarcity
Lt-Gen Letsoela further highlighted the difficult living conditions experienced by soldiers stationed at some military bases, saying many lacked basic amenities.
He said some soldiers used their mobile phones for lighting due to the absence of electricity, while others were forced to sleep in tents.
“Life at some bases is difficult. Soldiers use their phones for light, yet they are expected to remain disciplined and not be tempted by illegal activities,” he said.
He added that food supplies were sometimes insufficient to cater for all personnel.
“Sometimes we are forced to release soldiers early because the available food cannot cater for everyone. This is our sad reality.”
The commander said the situation was disheartening, particularly when he visited bases and witnessed the conditions under which soldiers lived and worked.
“When they greet me, I cannot feel happy because I see their situation. Some officers at the gates are not properly dressed and are not eating well. Others sleep in tents like in Mokotakoti (Leribe). It is very troubling.”
Warning over morale
Lt-Gen Letsoela warned that continued neglect of soldiers’ welfare could eventually create serious challenges within the army.
“I am a commander who values peace and stability,” he said.
“But when you visit the bases and see how soldiers live and how they are dressed, it becomes difficult. As a commander, one of the first things you must do when you arrive at a base is inspect the living conditions of soldiers.”
He emphasised that the welfare of soldiers must remain a priority.
“They must have proper accommodation, clothing and food. The budget presented here does not reflect the realities on the ground. These are just figures, but they do not address the actual challenges.”
The LDF commander also urged authorities to consider the country’s broader security environment when allocating resources to the defence force.
He said challenges such as livestock theft, organised crime and drug trafficking required adequate security capacity.
“When governments prepare budgets, they usually begin with a thorough analysis of the security situation.
“When you compare the current budget ceiling with the previous year, you will notice that it has only increased by about two percent. But who determined that this ceiling reflects the real security needs of the country?”
He added that some army equipment, including helicopters, had been out of service for years, affecting operational capacity.
“The security situation should influence decisions taken by Cabinet and Parliament. They must ask themselves what threats the country is currently facing and whether the available resources are sufficient to address them.”
Operational challenges
Lt-Gen Letsoela also questioned whether the current budget would adequately support upcoming national duties, including preparations for the annual celebration of His Majesty King Letsie III’s birthday on 17 July.
“We are heading towards the King’s birthday, which I hear will be held in Mokhotlong. The question is how will we transport personnel there, sustain operations during the event and ensure that soldiers are properly equipped and dressed?
“These are practical issues that require proper planning and resources.”
He said the army was currently experiencing a decline in operational capacity due to resource constraints.
“The army is facing a critical decline in terms of operational balance, functioning systems and coordination.”
He said he had prepared a document outlining urgent issues that required attention, warning that failure to address them could affect morale and operational effectiveness within the defence force.
Defence Council
The commander also said the Defence Council, which is meant to assist in decision-making and advise the ministry on defence matters, had not been operational.
“If the Defence Council was functioning, it would help assess the status of the army, including its resources and morale.
“It would also hold the command accountable on matters affecting the conduct of soldiers.”
Zama-Zamas
Lt-Gen Letsoela further raised concerns about alleged criminal infiltration within the army, saying some soldiers had been targeted by illegal mining syndicates known as Zama-Zamas.
He said financial desperation among some soldiers had made them vulnerable to criminal influence.
“They may offer money in exchange for firearms. This happens because the soldier feels neglected and believes nobody cares about his welfare,” he said.
He cited the recent arrest of three soldiers — Corporals Letseka Tšitso, Mosuoe Letšoana and Lerato Lekhoala — who were allegedly involved in the theft of LDF firearms.
“But in the public eye, it is the commander who is asked what he is doing about these issues. I am trying,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Limpho Tau, downplayed the concerns, saying the decline in funding was not unique to the defence force.
He said many government ministries had experienced similar budget reductions over the years.
“The commander has indicated that the budget has been declining since 2012. That situation affects many ministries, not only the LDF,” Mr Tau said.
He attributed the country’s financial challenges partly to misuse of public funds by previous governments.
“We are facing these challenges today because of decisions taken in the past. There were times when the government revenues were high, but resources were not always used wisely,” he said.
Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Taung, Matiisetso Matsie, said the limited budget raised concerns about the country’s confidence in its defence force.
She argued inadequate resources could weaken the army’s effectiveness.
“Even in a village, when a person has nothing, people begin to lose respect for them.
“If soldiers are not properly equipped and supported, even criminals may begin to lose fear of them.”
She urged the government to reconsider the funding allocated to the defence ministry, saying the army played a crucial role in addressing security challenges such as livestock theft and other crimes.
“How do you expect someone to perform their duties effectively if they go to work hungry and without the necessary resources?” she asked.