The dismissal of Professor Nqosa Mahao from his ministerial position as Minister of Energy has sparked public interest, but the Prime Minister’s office assures that the government remains unaffected.
In an interview with the Lesotho News Agency (LENA), Mr Teboho Sekata, the Public Relations Manager in the Prime Minister’s office, made a point that the coalition government is stable and will continue to function smoothly.
He indicated that participation of Basotho Action Party (BAP) in the coalition was not a necessity but a gesture of goodwill.
“BAP joined the government out of love, not because we lacked the numbers. I call upon Basotho to remain calm, the government is stable and will continue without fear,” he continued.
He said the current coalition government, formed following the October 2022 general elections, comprises the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), Alliance of Democrats (AD), and the Movement for Economic Change (MEC).He added that these three parties hold sufficient parliamentary seats to maintain the government’s majority, even if BAP were to withdraw from the coalition.
BAP joined the coalition shortly after the elections, adding to the government’s strength, but its contribution has now come under scrutiny following Professor Mahao’s dismissal.
Professor Mahao’s removal has raised questions about internal dynamics within the coalition, but the government has refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind the decision.
He noted that in the broader political landscape, Lesotho’s coalition governments have historically been fragile, often characterized by shifting alliances and challenges in maintaining stability. The Prime Minister’s Office, however, remains confident that the current coalition can weather any turbulence, given its robust foundation.
Mr Sekata reiterated government’s commitment to serving the people and urged citizens to focus on national priorities rather than political distractions.
“The coalition remains strong, and we are fully focused on delivering on our promises to Basotho,” he said.
He concluded by saying as the political landscape evolves, the coming days will reveal whether BAP remains part of the coalition or charts a new path independently.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 03/12/2024
