Lesotho has been plagued by political instability since its return to democracy in 1993. Throughout this period, South Africa, often under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has intervened on numerous occasions to steady the political situation in its small, landlocked neighbour. Unfortunately, its frequent involvement in Lesotho’s politics has not helped the mountain kingdom achieve lasting peace. Instead, it has had the unintended consequence of encouraging Basotho politicians to act in intransigent and inflammatory ways. It will be difficult for South Africa to alter this damaging dynamic because it has an important national interest in preserving stability in Lesotho. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project provides Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, with much of its water. For this supply to continue, there needs to be relative stability in Lesotho.
SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION
More Stories
Benin, where Innovation and Recycling Meet
The Women trying to Revolutionise Agriculture in West Africa
Nationalising Rabat’s State Entities
Data Collected from Space could Unlock $2 billion a Year in Benefits for Africa
China Set To Benefit Most From Declining US Interest In The MENA Region
Shaky Peace Deal Affects Juba’s Ability to Pump Oil
The Value of Green Industrialisation in South African Mines
Kenyan State Carrier on a Bold Plan to Recovery
Increasing Investment in Africa’s Large Real Estate Projects
Exciting Opportunities are Attracting Investors from across the Globe to Africa’s Fintech Space
Wellness Destinations in Africa to Get away from it All
Africa’s Missing Middle in Tech Funding