Mpho Manesa
Joshua Setipa’s loss in the race for the Secretary General of the Commonwealth offers critical lessons for Lesotho and its diplomatic positioning in Africa. While Setipa’s candidacy was notable, the results underscore the broader structural and diplomatic challenges that Lesotho faces, particularly its fragile and limited engagement with other African nations. This outcome points to the country’s weak diplomatic ties, minimal collaboration with its African neighbours, and a general inability to leverage regional alliances to bolster its standing on the international stage.
At the core of Setipa’s defeat lies Lesotho’s limited diplomatic influence in Africa. The Commonwealth is not just a club of former British colonies; it is a powerful platform where countries from different regions come together to cooperate on global governance issues. For a small country like Lesotho to present a credible candidate for such a prestigious position, it would need solid backing from African states, its closest geographical and political allies.
However, Lesotho’s historical isolationist tendencies and failure to build strong, sustainable relationships with neighbouring countries left Setipa vulnerable in a contest where diplomatic muscle plays a key role. Unlike larger African states such as South Africa or Nigeria, which have deeply entrenched diplomatic relationships across the continent, Lesotho has done little to strengthen its ties with fellow African nations.
As a result, when the Commonwealth’s leadership race heated up, Setipa found himself with limited support from countries that could have been his natural allies.
Africa as a continent plays a significant role within the Commonwealth, with over 20 member countries. In such a setting, unity and collective bargaining are crucial. However, Lesotho’s foreign policy, which is often reactive rather than strategic, has left the country on the sidelines of regional and continental discussions. Over the years, Lesotho has not been seen as a country that actively collaborates with African states on major continental issues, such as regional economic integration or peace and security.
This is evident in its lukewarm participation in institutions like the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where more dynamic and vocal members like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa dominate discussions and policy-making. Lesotho’s passive approach to these regional bodies makes it difficult for the country to build the kind of strong diplomatic relationships that are necessary for securing high-profile positions like the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s role.
Moreover, Setipa’s candidacy was perhaps also undermined by Lesotho’s limited diplomatic resources. Unlike larger countries with extensive foreign missions and a long history of international diplomacy, Lesotho’s diplomatic corps is small and often underfunded. This lack of resources translates into limited capacity to lobby for critical positions and promote national interests abroad.
In international forums, personal relationships between diplomats and leaders often play a critical role in influencing voting patterns. Without strong diplomatic infrastructure and sustained engagement, Setipa was left without the necessary diplomatic machinery to garner sufficient support across the Commonwealth.
Additionally, Lesotho’s domestic instability and governance issues likely did not help Setipa’s cause. In the international arena, countries are often judged by their internal governance and stability, and Lesotho has struggled with recurring political crises, including numerous changes of government, political infighting, and challenges in maintaining the rule of law.
While these issues may not directly reflect on Setipa’s qualifications, they do impact the perception of Lesotho as a whole. Countries considering support for his candidacy may have been hesitant to back a candidate from a country that is frequently in the headlines for negative reasons. Setipa’s defeat thus reflects the broader challenges of a country still working to establish a coherent and respected presence in both African and international diplomatic circles.
Another critical factor in Setipa’s loss was the lack of a unified African bloc backing his bid. African nations often have multiple candidates competing for key international positions, but they have also demonstrated the ability to rally behind one candidate when necessary, as was the case when Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo won the top job at the International Organisation of La Francophonie in 2018.
For Setipa, no such consolidation of support occurred, as many African nations may have either opted to back candidates from other Commonwealth regions or remained neutral, highlighting once again Lesotho’s weak diplomatic relations and inability to rally its African peers.
Setipa’s loss is also a reminder of the importance of soft power in international diplomacy. Countries that invest in cultural diplomacy, development cooperation, and long-term partnerships with other nations often find it easier to garner support for their candidates in international organisations.
Lesotho, by contrast, has not significantly invested in such forms of diplomacy. While the country has made commendable efforts in areas like peacekeeping, particularly in the Southern African region, its broader diplomatic efforts have been too sporadic and inconsistent to leave a lasting impact. As a result, when Setipa put forward his candidacy, there was little soft power infrastructure in place to support his bid.
Ultimately, Joshua Setipa’s failure to secure the Commonwealth Secretary-General position is symptomatic of deeper issues in Lesotho’s foreign policy and diplomatic strategy. Without stronger ties to African nations, a more active role in regional organisations, and a more consistent diplomatic presence on the international stage, Lesotho will continue to struggle to secure key international positions. If the country wants to succeed in future diplomatic contests, it must prioritise building strong relationships with its African neighbours, investing in its diplomatic capabilities, and cultivating a reputation as a reliable and active member of the international community. Only then will candidates like Setipa stand a better chance of success in the global arena.
