Lesotho to chair SADC security organ
Prime Minister Sam Matekane's election follows a decade of regional scrutiny for instability.
Lesotho will chair the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation starting in 2026. Prime Minister Sam Matekane was elected to the position at an extraordinary SADC summit, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the nation.
This appointment signifies a turnaround in Lesotho's regional standing after years of observation due to political instability and security-sector failures. The country was placed under the Organ’s agenda in 2014 following an attempted military coup and subsequent political troubles, including assassinations and troop deployments.
Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau described the appointment as an honour for all Basotho, emphasizing it is a national responsibility. The role requires continued reform and accountability at home to credibly address regional security challenges.
Why it mattersLesotho's election as chair of the SADC security organ means the nation must continue its own reforms to address governance weaknesses.