MASERU – Basotho have been urged to maintain peace, stability and unity as the country prepares to celebrate its 60th Independence anniversary later this year.
Speaking in an interview with the Lesotho News Agency, the Secretary General of the Spiritual Churches Council of Lesotho, Archbishop Mpati Moseme, said the church has a responsibility to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace and harmony across the country.
She said the Council, which brings together members from different church denominations, has embarked on a series of all-night prayer services to encourage Basotho from all walks of life to unite and pray for the nation despite their different political and social backgrounds.
Archbishop Moseme said the latest prayer service was held at Memorial Hall in Maseru, adding that similar gatherings will be taken to other districts to give more Basotho an opportunity to participate in prayers for national peace and unity.
She further welcomed this week’s Leadership and National Accountability Forum, saying it provided Basotho with an opportunity to engage directly with the government for the first time, a development she described as important in strengthening relations between citizens and the state.
“As a democratic country, this is what the church applauds. We should reflect on the achievements of the past 60 years, learn from our shortcomings and work together to advance the country’s development beyond the 60th Independence celebrations,” she said.
Archbishop Moseme also appealed to the government to put the interests of the people first by implementing the recommendations and decisions raised by Basotho during the National Accountability Forum.
Meanwhile, one of the street vendors interviewed at the Maseru bus stop, Mr Makhupane Mohau, said the concerns of street vendors received little attention during the dialogue.
He appealed to the government to provide safe and designated trading spaces where vendors can conduct business and support their families.Lesotho will celebrate 60 years of independence in 2026.
The country’s history dates back to the leadership of King Moshoeshoe I, who united the Basotho nation in the early 19th century. Following years under British colonial administration, Lesotho attained independence on October 4, 1966.
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