Lesotho: Army commander killed by military officers September 5

Event

Lieutenant General Khoantle Motsomotso, the commander of the Lesotho Defense Force, was killed at his home at the Ratjomose barracks by recently fired military officers on Tuesday, September 5. At least one of the attackers died in the shootout, and at least one other was wounded. While the motive for the deadly confrontation is not yet known, the incident may cause further political-military instability in the country and possibly incite demonstrations.

Context

Lesotho has been gripped by a political-military crisis since a failed coup d'état in June 2014, which led to the organization of elections in early 2015. South Africa, the US, and members of the Southern African Development Community have called for political reforms in the country.

Landlocked by South Africa, Lesotho is one of the world's poorest countries. Its economy is heavily dependent on its larger neighbor, which imports water and hydroelectric power from the small nation.

Advice

Individuals present in Lesotho are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate, and to avoid all political events and public gatherings as violence may flare up without warning.​