The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union Commission (AUC) Ms Nts’iuoa Sekete, recently paid a courtesy call on the newly appointed Chairperson of the AUC Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The Chairperson and four other members of the Commission were voted into office during the Heads of State Assembly in February 2025, while the election for the remaining two will take place during the Mid-term Coordination Meeting of the Executive Council in July 2025.
The Ambassador relayed a congratulatory message and greetings from His Majesty King Letsie III. She assured the Chairperson of the Kingdom’s full support.
Ambassador Sekete and the Chairperson also discussed Lesotho’s role in the Union’s integration and growth agenda. Furthermore, they also talked about Lesotho’s desire and efforts to see a positive movement in terms of filling the employment quota with adequately qualified and experienced Basotho.
The discussion covered several key issues such as Lesotho’s success story on the Highlands Water Project, Lesotho’s position and potential in the textile and apparel sector. The focus was on how these could be harnessed to realize intra-Africa trade;
“We also discussed His Majesty King Letsie III’s role as Champion for Nutrition as well as HMK-Just Energy Transition project”, the Ambassador said.
Equally, the two leaders also touched on ongoing reforms within the AUC, which are aimed at enhancing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Ambassador Sekete expressed Lesotho’s endorsement of these reforms, highlighting the importance of a robust and responsive AU in addressing the continent’s challenges and aspirations.
This visit underscores Lesotho’s active participation in continental affairs and its dedication to the principles and goals of the African Union. By engaging directly with the AUC leadership, Lesotho demonstrates its commitment to collaborative efforts that drive Africa’s development and unity.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 19/05/2025
