Maseru, Jun. 14 — Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Mr. Antonio Guterres says peace is not just made at conference tables, but in classrooms, neighbourhoods and everywhere people meet with open minds and hearts.
In his statement, marking the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace which is on September 21 2026, he emphasised that by working together each day, nations can build a more just world with compassion, equality and dignity for all.
“In a world rocked by conflict, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. But all around us are everyday architects of peace- from volunteers to campaigners and civil society leaders- showing us how to take action to reshape our communities for the better”, Guterres said.
He called on countries to honour the change makers as the countdown to the International Day of Peace continues and take inspiration from their examples.In his message on January 01 2026 on the theme: “Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace”, Pope Leo XIV of the Catholic Church described peace as ‘a principle that guides and defines our choices’.
“Even in places where only rubbles remain and despair seems inevitable, we still find people who have not forgotten peace”, he said.He encouraged nations to open themselves to peace, welcome and recognise it rather than believing it to be impossible and beyond reach.”
Peace is more than just a goal, it is a presence and a journey. Even when it is endangered within us and around us, like a small flame threatened by a storm, we must protect it, never forgetting the names and stories of those who bore witness to it”, the Pope said.Lesotho is not an exception when it comes to the issues of peace.
The Basotho nation has experienced conflicts, riots and instability which resulted in deaths, destruction of properties and displacement of people.
In 1998 there were political riots following parliamentaryelections which resulted in looting and burning of shops as well as several buildings in the capital city, leaving the country’s economy in shambles.
The situation called for an intervention by Southern African Development (SADC) which sent military troops from South Africa and Botswana for peace-keeping.
The 2014 political unrest and incidents that followed it such as the assassination of the army commander ended up with SADC intervening once again.
Through its preventive mission, SADC managed to restore peace and stability in the country.Gang violence among Basotho groups involved in illegal mining in South Africa who identify themselves through different blankets and music, continue to threaten the country’s peace and stability.
The violence which is characterised by a chain of targeted killings attimes affect innocent people such as women and children who get caught in the crossfire.Through SADC, Lesotho has also participated in peace-keeping missions.
The recent international security mission was in Mozambique where troops from the Lesotho Defence Force were deployed.This year’s theme for the International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day is: “Invest in Peace- For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”.
Ends/SM
