The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane has on Thursday officiated a one-day Justice Sector Coordination Forum held in Maseru.

Organised by the Ministry of Justice, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, the forum aims to among others restore public trust in the justice system as well as consolidate inputs from stakeholders on annual review among others.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister said a forum of this nature is important, saying mostly stakeholders deliberated on issues of transparency and delivery of fair justice which he said pave the way towards yielding positive results in the future.

Mr. Matekane said he is confident that all stakeholders present are committed to re-inventing the wheel of the rule of law without one’s economic or political status.

“Unless justice is transparent, Lesotho cannot grow economically and otherwise, hence my presence today seeks to make a clarion call towards justice as a matter of urgency,” he stressed.

Also speaking, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Justice Nthomeng Majara said the forum presents a golden opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate on how best to restore the citizens’ confidence and trust towards the justice sector.

Justice Majara noted that when crime is reduced, peace and stability will prevail in Lesotho, hence investors will find the need to invest in this country for economic development purposes.

Also speaking, Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane said justice is a search for truth not lies, urging citizens to be cooperative with the courts of law during court proceedings.

He therefore called on his colleagues to be ethical in the delivery of justice, noting that the essence of fairness lies in integrity.

“Let us unite in the fight against corruption, be exemplary and promote ethical conduct to promote professionalism,” he lamented.

Chief Justice Sakoane said the shortage of resources within this sector remains a challenge.

Other speakers included the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lesotho, Ms. Amanda Khozi Mukwashi who assured the Government of Lesotho of support from the UN and EU for an effective and accountable justice system in the country.

As part of the activities at this forum, there will also be a panel discussion made up of LMPS, the Law Society, the Judiciary and DCEO among others.

This forum is attended by stakeholders in the justice sector namely: lawyers, armed forces members including Principal Chiefs and civil society organizations.

Source: LENA 07/09/2023