… Lesotho’s institutions must rise to the bar
Advocate Tlotliso Polaki, Lesotho’s Ombudsman, has rendered an exemplary service to the nation with her recent report, meticulously unveiling distressing transgressions by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) during Operations Fiela and Hard Fist.
Her resolute delineation of inhumane treatment, excessive force, and unwarranted detentions exemplifies an unwavering commitment to her mandate, executed with neither trepidation nor partiality. This endeavour warrants profound commendation, illuminating the enduring potential of Lesotho’s constitutional framework.
In myriad nations, such malfeasance by state apparatuses remains obscured, veiled by bureaucratic obfuscation or authoritarian decree. Where accountability falters, those audacious enough to illuminate such shadows often face dire repercussions, silenced, sidelined, or worse.
Lesotho, however, presents a contrasting narrative. Here, an institution like the Ombudsman’s office persists in its constitutional stewardship, courageously scrutinising the excesses of power. Polaki’s work underscores a democratic resilience that, though imperfect, distinguishes Lesotho as a polity where institutional integrity can still flourish.
Her report, a sobering chronicle, articulates the plight of citizens subjected to grievous indignities: villagers coerced into debasing acts, a man from Leribe grievously injured, and detainees confined in deplorable conditions.
However, it transcends mere exposition and proffers cogent remedies, revising operational protocols, enhancing training in humane standards, establishing independent oversight, and ensuring redress for the afflicted. This is a clarion call, thoughtfully balanced, to harmonise security imperatives with the sanctity of human dignity.
Regrettably, this commendable endeavour casts into relief the languor of other state entities. The Ministry of Justice and Law, entrusted with guiding lawful conduct, has yet to proffer substantive counsel.
Parliament, vested with legislative authority, tarries in fortifying oversight mechanisms. The LDF and LMPS, while grappling with palpable threats, must elevate their adherence to principled restraint over perfunctory justification.
These institutions would do well to emulate Polaki’s assiduous example and reinvigorate their roles before public confidence wanes irretrievably.
A note of circumspection is due for Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane. His earlier pronouncement, advocating tactics redolent of foreign conflicts, alongside Major General Matela Matobakele’s concurrence, appears to have unwittingly precipitated this lamentable chapter.
Such rhetoric, however well-intentioned, demands greater prudence in future articulations. Leadership of this stature calls for measured discourse, attuned to the delicate equilibrium of peace and justice. The government now stands at a juncture: to embrace Polaki’s counsel and fortify its moral standing, or risk squandering a moment of transformative potential.
Advocate Polaki has discharged her duty with laudable fidelity, reaffirming that Lesotho’s democratic edifice endures through such steadfast custodians. Her peers in governance must rise commensurately, lest her efforts remain a solitary triumph. The Prime Minister, too, might reflect on this as an occasion for tempered stewardship. Lesotho’s aspirations rest on such collective resolve.
Your Trusted Source for News and Insights in Lesotho!
At Newsday Media, we are passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and engaging news and multimedia content to our diverse audience. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the media landscape in Lesotho, we have grown into a leading hybrid media company that blends traditional journalism with innovative digital platforms.
