A Historic Visit- UN Secretary-General Reaffirms Solidarity with Lesotho

The Kingdom of Lesotho welcomed United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, on his first official visit, marking a momentous occasion for the Basotho nation as it celebrated its bicentenary. 

The two-day visit underscored the enduring partnership between the UN and Lesotho and reaffirmed solidarity with Africa in addressing global injustices that continue to hinder the country’s ability to achieve long-term development aspirations.

The Secretary General met with His Majesty King Letsie III at the Palace during which the two leaders discussed challenges that the Kingdom of Lesotho was facing as a landlocked and developing country. The Secretary-General and His Majesty King discussed continued UN support towards the country’s long-term development efforts, including the national reform process.

The meeting by the Secretary General and the Prime Minister together with cabinet ministers, discussed the country’s priorities as part of its long-term development aspirations and the needed for support to realise the vision for the Kingdom. 

Throughout his engagements with officials in the Kingdom, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Lesotho’s long-term development agenda, including its efforts towards keeping its SDGs promise. He emphasized overcoming the challenges of Lesotho’s landlocked geography and securing access to affordable financing for sustainable development programmes.

While in the country, the Secretary General addressed a joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly. Mr. Guterres used the occasion to pay tribute to Lesotho’s founding father, King Moshoeshoe I approach to governance, stating that “while others chose conflict, he embraced dialogue. When faced with hostility, he responded with wisdom and courage.” By welcoming displaced communities and building bridges, he showed the world how diversity can strengthen the fabric of nationhood,” the Secretary General added.

The Secretary-General called for justice in “a global system designed without African voices, maintained without African participation, and perpetuated despite African protests.” He further called for reforms in the UN Security Council, in the international financial system which he stated is outdated, dysfunctional and unfair to Africa. “Africa must not be forced to choose between economic development and climate action,” he added as he made the call for climate justice. [Read full speech here]

The government of the Kingdom of Lesotho honoured the visiting UN Chief by naming a road connecting South Africa and Lesotho through Marakabei in Butha-Buthe. The António Guterres road was named alongside Morena Lethole of Butha-Buthe. This gesture by the government was a demonstration of the deep ties between Lesotho, its traditional leaders, and development partners partners like the UN, working together for development and progress.

The Secretary-General also visited the Katse Dam, a critical component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The project, a product of the cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa, is critical for the kingdom’s efforts to achieve economic development. 

Throughout his visit, Mr. Guterres highlighted Lesotho’s enormous potential, particularly in its renewable energy resources, youthful population, and resilient spirit. He urged global solidarity to support Lesotho’s development journey.

The Secretary-General’s visit was a profound moment for Lesotho as it celebrated 200 years of nationhood. His message of justice, solidarity, and hope resonated deeply with the Basotho people. The visit reaffirmed the United Nations’ unwavering partnership with Lesotho as the nation looks toward a future of peace, prosperity, and resilience.