Billy Ntaote
Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili has established a four-member team to mediate in the infighting threatening to destroy the Lesotho People’s Congress (LPC).
The team comprises Democratic Congress (DC) secretary general Ralechate ‘Mokose, who is also Water Affairs Minister, Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) deputy leader and Defence Minister Tšeliso Mokhosi, Basotho Batho Democratic Party (BBDP) leader and Senator Jeremane Ramathebane and a member of the Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP).
Disgruntled LPC National Executive Committee (NEC) members last month wrote to Dr Mosisili demanding the dismissal of party leader Molahlehi Letlotlo, as Social Development Minister.
Mr Letlotlo is accused of disrespecting the NEC’s decisions since his ministerial appointment in March this year, criticising Dr Mosisili for “overstaying” in office, employing youths from the main opposition All Basotho Convention (ABC) in his ministry instead of LPC members, unilaterally dismissing senior party members, and insulting the LPC’s founding leader, Advocate Kelebone Maope, among others.
The disgruntled members are led by deputy leader Maphoma Sejanamane, secretary general Moipone Piet and spokesperson Bokang Ramatšella.
The LPC has one seat in the 120-seat National Assembly, which made it possible for the party to form government alongside the DC, LCD, MFP, Popular Front for Democracy, National Independent Party, and Basotho Congress Party after the 28 February 2015 snap election had produced a hung parliament.
The ruling coalition would not want to see the LPC disintegrating as this could affect the government, hence Dr Mosisili’s move to end the party’s squabbes.
Contacted for comment, Mr Ramatšella confirmed the mediation but would not go into details.
“The mediation process is ongoing and all I can say is there have already been two meetings. In one of the mediation meetings, Minister ‘Mokose was represented by his party’s chairperson, Maboiketlo Maliehe.
“The two opposing sides have tabled their grievances and we will be meeting again, but we don’t know when,” said Mr Ramatšella, adding both parties had been urged not to discuss the issue in the media to ensure there are no further “misunderstandings”.
There was no immediate comment from the premier’s office regarding the LPC issue.
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