The European Union (EU) has moved to calm growing concern over its future presence in Lesotho, declaring that its commitment to the country “remains strong” even as it restructures its operations.
“The EU stands with Lesotho. Our commitment and our friendship remains strong. We are making some adjustments to how we operate, but the EU Delegation will remain in Lesotho, and we will share more details in due time. Together, we will keep building a brighter future for all,” said Head of Delegation, Ambassador Mette Sunnergren.
Her remarks come amid revelations by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, earlier this week that the EU plans a transformation to diplomatic presence affecting Lesotho and several other countries, a move that will see some services shifted to a regional office in Pretoria, South Africa.
But Sunnergren struck a firm tone, insisting the bloc is not pulling out.
“The European Union Delegation to Lesotho wishes to assure all our partners and the people of the Mountain Kingdom that we are staying in Lesotho and remain firmly committed to supporting Lesotho’s sustainable development,” she said.
“Our partnership with the Kingdom of Lesotho will continue, and our collaborative programmes and initiatives will proceed in close cooperation with regional and national partners.”
She added: “We reaffirm our steadfast and unwavering commitment to the people of Lesotho and the Government of Lesotho.”
Government has already indicated that while the ambassador and her deputy will remain in the country, some staff will be relocated to Pretoria, with others potentially losing their jobs, a consequence of what Mpotjoane described as a broader EU restructuring directed from its headquarters in Brussels.
Despite the uncertainty, Sunnergren said the EU is repositioning itself, not retreating.
“The EU stands with Lesotho. Our commitment and our friendship remains strong. We are making some adjustments to how we operate, but the EU Delegation will remain in Lesotho…”
“As we look to the future and adapt to evolving circumstances, we are thoughtfully evaluating how we organise our work on the ground, so that our engagement in Lesotho remains effective, responsive, and aligned with our shared priorities,” she said.
She emphasised that the relationship between Lesotho and the EU goes beyond local presence.
“Let it be said clearly: Lesotho and the European Union are partners not only here at home, but also on the international stage,” Sunnergren said. “As I have often recalled, Lesotho is one of our like-minded friends, sharing common values, a common belief in democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, and a common vision for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.”
“In that spirit, the European Union remains fully engaged and dedicated to advancing our shared objectives with the people and Government of Lesotho,” she added.
The EU is one of Lesotho’s most significant development partners, backing key sectors including clean energy, governance, water and sanitation. It has also been a major funder of the country’s national reforms programme, committing about €8.5 million under the 11th European Development Fund to strengthen the rule of law, human rights and democratic institutions.
Another flagship initiative, the €27 million ‘Metsi a Lesotho’ programme, aims to expand access to clean water and safeguard critical resources, part of what the EU has described as nearly five decades of partnership anchored on water development.
Under its current cooperation framework for 2021–2027, the EU has committed more than €119 million (about M2.3 billion) to Lesotho.
Sunnergren said that cooperation will continue uninterrupted.
“We also look forward to the upcoming Annual Partnership Dialogue and the LEAD Conference, which will take place during Europe Month ((May),” she said.
Summary
- Her remarks come amid revelations by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, earlier this week that the EU plans a transformation to diplomatic presence affecting Lesotho and several other countries, a move that will see some services shifted to a regional office in Pretoria, South Africa.
- “As we look to the future and adapt to evolving circumstances, we are thoughtfully evaluating how we organise our work on the ground, so that our engagement in Lesotho remains effective, responsive, and aligned with our shared priorities,” she said.
- “As I have often recalled, Lesotho is one of our like-minded friends, sharing common values, a common belief in democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, and a common vision for a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
