Staff Reporter

FOREIGN diplomats in Lesotho have called for stability and the maintenance of the rule of law in Lesotho especially during this period when the whole world is facing an existential threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A 17 April 2020 statement jointly issued by the European Union (EU), high commissions of the United Kingdom and South Africa as well as the United States embassy speaks of the “importance of maintaining stability and the rule of law in Lesotho”.

“As the international community focuses on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of maintaining stability and the rule of law in Lesotho has never been greater.  As the diplomatic representatives of the European Union, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States, all of which have experienced high numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, we urge a united approach that prioritises the protection of citizens and the provision of essential services.

“It is critical that first line responders and key workers be allowed to carry out their duties, according to the law, without interference or obstruction.  We further underline the need for close co-operation between security agencies and national leadership in order to address the current challenge, which may remain with us for some time.

“We are committed to supporting Lesotho and its neighbours in addressing the impact of COVID-19, both on individual health and on the economy. Destabilising actions could be catastrophic for Basotho for generations; this is the time for all leaders to act together in the national interest.”

The statement is signed by EU ambassador Christian Manahl, US ambassador Rebecca Gonzales and High Commissioners Anne Macro (United Kingdom) and Sello Moloto (South Africa).