Kananelo Boloetse
In this continuation of our exclusive interview, Harry MacDonald, the British High Commissioner to Lesotho, sits down with Kananelo Boloetse, News Editor at Newsday. Last week, the two discussed the evolving relationship between the UK and Lesotho, touching on critical topics such as development assistance and the impact of political transitions. In this segment, they delve deeper into the new UK government’s stance on key issues affecting Lesotho, the significance of historical ties between the two nations, and the path forward in fostering a strong, mutually beneficial partnership. MacDonald offers insights into how the UK’s changing priorities could influence its support for Lesotho and reaffirms the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Kananelo Boloetse: I would like to know what the stance of the new government of Britain on this issue is. Are you also attaching certain conditions to the passage of reforms?
Harry MacDonald: The basis of our relationship is respect. In line with international aid principles, we avoid attaching conditions where we can to our development assistance. The approach that I have taken, and that we will continue to take here, is to encourage Lesotho—the government, parliament, and Basotho—to create an enabling environment for success. I do not have a view on any specific reform; it is not my reform, it is Basotho’s reform. Many of the reforms appear to contribute to an environment conducive to success. The passage of reforms is not a condition that my government places on support for, say, renewable energy, but it is an enabling factor that large institutions looking to support Lesotho will want to see to consider it a viable investment. Lesotho risks being left behind if other countries become more attractive and investment flows elsewhere. So, while we do not demand the passage of national reforms, my government encourages them because we believe they will demonstrate that Lesotho is a place to do business.
Kananelo Boloetse: That is perfectly understandable. But considering the significant changes, or even revolutionary shifts that can accompany a change of government in Lesotho, South Africa, or any country, do you think Lesotho has any reason to be sceptical or concerned about the recent change in the UK government?
Harry MacDonald: Change can indeed be uncomfortable. I’ve spent the last 14 years working under the Conservative Party’s government, and now I am working under the Labour Party’s government. I will be as loyal and supportive of the Labour government in the UK as I was of the Conservative government. In the UK, these kinds of changes, I believe, demonstrate the robustness of our institutions, where the speed of transition is crucial to getting back to business quickly. While some things will differ, and previous priorities may shift, I see strong alignment between the new government’s priorities and the areas where the UK and Lesotho can significantly grow their relationship. However, we must be realistic that this is a time of economic challenges globally. With the current global risks, it’s vital to be effective and competitive. Lesotho could be left behind, especially in fields like renewable energy, if neighbouring countries take steps that cause Lesotho to miss its opportunity. That’s why we want to act now. The UK’s global priorities include maintaining our long-standing friendships based on respect. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom of Lesotho, and we’ve made significant efforts to honour that both here in Lesotho, in the UK, and internationally. We had a large contingent participate in the Moshoeshoe Walk this year, with about 50 people, and I personally completed all 116km, despite my age. We’ve also brought a famous football club to Lesotho to sign a partnership with a local club. His Majesty King Letsie III visited the UK, meeting with His Majesty King Charles III, various politicians, business leaders, and the Lesotho diaspora. He visited not just London, but also Wales and the north of England. We’ve signed a new partnership between the National University of Lesotho and Westminster University. In the next few weeks, we will host the Right Reverend the Bishop of Durham to build on the long-standing ties between Durham and Lesotho. The Welsh Government has also facilitated exchanges, with 50 people from Lesotho visiting Wales and 80 from Wales coming to Lesotho earlier this year. We have more plans ahead to celebrate the 200th anniversary and to help put Lesotho on the map. Supporting Lesotho in this way is part of our role, and these people-to-people links will continue regardless of the change in the UK government.
Kananelo Boloetse: Perhaps this might be the last question. Some people say that Lesotho’s current situation is largely due to the influence of the UK as former coloniser. What is your reaction to that? Someone on social media mentioned that Basotho fought in World War II and felt there should be some form of compensation or at least recognition of Lesotho’s significant role in the war, on the side of the British. What’s your view on these issues?
Harry MacDonald: I agree that it is the responsibility of the UK, especially during this 200th anniversary of the founding of the Kingdom of Lesotho, to recognise and acknowledge Lesotho’s contributions to the world, including during World War II. I will make it my personal mission this year to ensure that respect is paid. Compensation is a different matter because there are mechanisms in place for war pensions that do exist. Those agreements were made in previous generations, and payments were made and continue to be made in terms of pensions for those who served with the British in World War II. However, I will say that the British people are forever grateful for the outstanding Basotho warriors of World War II who helped in the liberation of Europe. My personal mission this year is to publicly acknowledge and pay respects to those veterans, and I have pledged to do so with the Lesotho Defence Force, particularly for the remaining veterans of World War II from Lesotho.
Kananelo Boloetse: Is there anything else you would like to discuss that we haven’t covered?
Harry MacDonald: I would only add that with my new government and its focus areas, I hope the UK and Lesotho can raise their voices together on the international stage. I think it’s important to hear Lesotho’s voice. When we do hear it, it often provides wise counsel, and Lesotho should not be shy. Sometimes Lesotho chooses not to speak up on the international stage, but I believe our role here is to help amplify that voice. The future looks bright for Lesotho if the conditions are in place to attract investment and support the development of key sectors and the growth of the economy. Once the economy is growing and has the necessary structure and stability, other challenges, such as food insecurity, will be much easier to manage. The UK will continue to be a friend, not just because of our historic ties, but because of our modern relationship, which my new government will seek to enhance through commercial partnerships, collaboration on international climate issues, and supporting a modern relationship as equals.
