Lesotho: Various protests in Maseru October 25-26

Event

Employees of the Moafrika FM Radio station are planning to stage a protest in the capital Maseru on Thursday, October 25, to denounce the now seven-week closure of the station by the government, which critics claim has been arbitrary. Protesters are expected to gather at 09:00 (local time) and march from Pope's Field along John Paul Road to the Moshoeshoe Statue.

Furthermore, the "Concerned Basotho" citizen group is expected to stage a demonstration on October 26, following the same march route and starting at 10:00. Another demonstration called for by the Independent Electoral Commissions Forum of the SADC (Southern African Development Community) is also expected to take place on October 26 in Maseru. This march is expected to start at the National Convention Centre and end at the Maseru Club.

Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected in affected areas and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Further protests are possible in the following days.  

Advice

Individuals in Maseru are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.