Concern About Reported Military Takeover in Lesotho

Ban Voices Concern About Reported Military Takeover in Lesotho

Prime Minister Thomas Motsoahae Thabane of the Kingdom of Lesotho. UN Photo/Sarah Fretwell

31 August 2014

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced concern on Sunday about the reported military takeover in the southern African nation of Lesotho, and called on all parties to resolve their differences peacefully.

“He calls for respect for the constitutional order and democratic rule,” said a statementissued by his spokesperson.

“He urges all parties to refrain from violence and work together towards a peaceful and lasting resolution of their differences.”

The small, landlocked nation is surrounded on all sides by South Africa, which is where Prime Minister Thomas Thabane has reportedly fled after alleging that the army carried out a coup. According to media reports, the army has denied that it staged a coup.

Secretary-General Ban welcomed earlier efforts by the regional bloc known as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Commonwealth and other partners of Lesotho to support the restoration of trust among the members of the Coalition Government and urged all parties to continue to play an active role in the promotion of peace in Lesotho.

“He reaffirms the continued support of the United Nations to these efforts,” said his spokesperson.

ENDS

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