Respect the King

ONE would have thought that the charging of the Leribe trio for allegedly impersonating members of the royal family would have sent a strong message to Basotho that the monarchy is not an institution to be casually ridiculed, abused or impersonated for personal amusement.

Yet, the continued circulation of insulting remarks against King Letsie III and the royal family on social media suggests that the lesson has either not been learnt or that some individuals simply do not care.

The latest concerns raised in the Senate over social media insults against His Majesty King Letsie III are a troubling reflection of the growing disregard for institutions that have historically played a central role in Lesotho’s identity, heritage and national cohesion.

The charging of the Leribe trio by the Maseru Magistrates Court in August 2023 should have served as a warning to those who believe that the Royal Family’s identity, dignity and standing can be exploited without consequences. Instead, the Senate has once again found itself having to deliberate on what should ordinarily be a matter of basic cultural decency and respect.

It is deeply concerning that the King, who occupies a unique position in the constitutional and cultural life of Lesotho, has become the target of derogatory remarks and online ridicule. The monarchy is not merely a family institution. It represents a historical continuity that stretches back to the founding of the Basotho nation under King Moshoeshoe I.

To insult the King in a manner that deliberately demeans the institution is to risk undermining a significant part of the country’s collective heritage.

This is not to suggest that the monarchy should be placed beyond criticism. In a constitutional democracy, no institution or individual should be immune from legitimate scrutiny. The King, like every other public figure, exists within a constitutional framework, and citizens must retain the right to express opinions on matters of national importance.

However, there is a fundamental distinction between criticism and contempt. Questioning decisions, debating constitutional roles or expressing disagreement is one thing. Resorting to vulgarity, defamatory allegations and deliberate humiliation is quite another.

Freedom of expression cannot be reduced to a licence to say anything, about anyone, in any manner. Rights come with responsibilities, and the exercise of constitutional freedoms must be accompanied by an appreciation of their potential consequences.

The concerns expressed by senators, including Principal Chief of Leribe Joel Motšoene, are therefore understandable. Chief Motšoene warned that the failure to confront insulting behaviour could encourage others to imitate it, particularly when they see individuals seemingly getting away with such conduct.

His observation raises an important question: what kind of society are we cultivating when public figures and national institutions are increasingly subjected to abuse, while those responsible appear to enjoy the protection of anonymity and the reach of social media?

The concern is not confined to the King. As Senate Vice-President Tsukutlane Au observed, the apparent erosion of respect has progressed from Members of Parliament to ministers, the Prime Minister and now the monarch. This should worry every Mosotho.

A society in which disagreement is routinely expressed through insults rather than reasoned argument risks losing the very values that hold it together. Respect for elders, traditional leadership and national institutions has long been a defining feature of Basotho culture. These values should not be discarded in the name of modernity or the mistaken belief that democracy requires the abandonment of decorum.

At the same time, the government must tread carefully in responding to these concerns.

Gender, Youth and Social Development Minister, Pitso Lesaoana, correctly pointed out that not every disrespectful or culturally inappropriate statement necessarily constitutes a criminal offence. This distinction is essential. A government response that seeks to criminalise every offensive opinion would be dangerous and could easily be abused to silence legitimate dissent.

The pending cybersecurity and cybercrime legislation must therefore be guided by constitutional safeguards, due process and a clear definition of what constitutes unlawful conduct. The protection of the King’s dignity should not become a convenient excuse for suppressing political criticism or curtailing citizens’ rights.

The Lesotho Communications Authority and law enforcement agencies must also act within their respective mandates. Where credible allegations of defamation, threats or other criminal conduct arise, investigations should be conducted impartially and in accordance with the law. Accountability should never be selective, determined by the identity of the person insulted or the political affiliations of the offender.

There is also a broader societal responsibility that cannot be delegated to the police or the courts. Parents, educators, traditional leaders, political leaders and religious institutions must help restore a culture of responsible public discourse. Social media platforms have amplified voices that were previously confined to private conversations, making it all the more important that citizens understand the difference between exercising a right and abusing it.

Political leaders, in particular, must lead by example. It is hypocritical to demand respect for the monarchy while routinely engaging in personal attacks against opponents and other public institutions.

Ultimately, respect for the King should not be enforced solely through fear of prosecution. It should be nurtured through an appreciation of the monarchy’s place in Basotho history and constitutional life.

Basotho must be reminded that freedom of expression is a precious constitutional right, not a weapon for humiliating others. The King deserves respect, the law deserves compliance, and the people deserve a society in which criticism is robust but responsible.