On Wednesday, Lesotho’s lawmakers held a highly anticipated debate to discuss the possibility of reclaiming the lost territory from South Africa. The motion was presented by an opposition MP who proposed that Lesotho assert ownership over the Free State province of South Africa, along with areas in four other regions.
The proposal was based on a 1962 UN resolution that recognized the right of self-determination and liberty for the people of Basutoland, which is the former name of Lesotho. The proposer of the motion, Tsepo Lipholo of the Basotho Convenient Movement (BCM), expressed his hope that the debate would result in Lesotho being restored to its rightful place.
The debate has generated a lot of interest both within and outside Lesotho. Many citizens feel strongly that the lost territory should be returned to Lesotho, as it rightfully belongs to the country. However, there are also concerns about the potential implications of such a move, especially given the complex relationship between Lesotho and South Africa.
Lesotho’s National Assembly, consisting of 120 seats, has Lipholo as its sole BCM representative. If his proposal is accepted by the assembly, it would initiate the legal process to make the territorial claim into a law. However, the government has not yet made any official comments on the matter.
Before the national elections last year, the return of Basothos’ lands was the primary focus of the BCM’s campaign and has since become a much-discussed topic among the opposition. This issue is particularly sensitive for Lesotho, which is entirely surrounded by South Africa and has a population of just two million, compared to South Africa’s 60 million. Lesotho’s capital city, Maseru, located in the eastern part of the country, is the largest city and the commercial and cultural center of Lesotho.
While Lesotho’s lawmakers have debated the issue, it is unclear whether they will take any concrete action to pursue the territorial claim. South Africa, which is much larger and more powerful than Lesotho, is unlikely to cede any territory to its neighbor without a significant fight.
The history of the Basotho people’s land is complicated, with various colonial powers playing a role in shaping the borders of modern-day Lesotho and South Africa. However, the BCM argues that the 1962 UN resolution provides a legal basis for Lesotho’s territorial claim and that it is time for the nation to assert its rights.
The debate has sparked lively discussion among politicians and citizens alike, with some arguing that Lesotho should focus on improving its economic relationship with South Africa rather than pursuing a territorial claim. Others argue that Lesotho’s sovereignty is at stake, and the nation should fight to reclaim its land. Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, has seen several protests in recent months by Basotho people who are demanding the return of their lands.
It remains to be seen what action, if any, Lesotho will take in the wake of the debate. However, the issue highlights the complex history and ongoing challenges facing many African nations, as they grapple with questions of sovereignty, identity, and regional power dynamics. As the debate continues, all eyes will be on Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, to see how the nation responds to this significant challenge.
