The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has condemned the killing of Lesotho’s Army Commander, Lt.-Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso.
According to an AU statement on Thursday, the Chairperson expressed “deep concern over the potential destabilising consequences of this barbarous act on the peace that Lesotho enjoys, following successful conduct of democratic elections.’’
The chairperson further expressed “great concern at the fact that this gruesome incident took place hardly two years after the assassination of Lt.-Gen. Maaparankoe Mahao in June 2015.”
He urged parties in Lesotho to resolve their political differences through peaceful means, within the framework of the country’s constitution.
While calling for calm and restraint, the chairperson urged the government to institute an investigation into the matter.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the government and the people of Lesotho.
The chairperson urged the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to immediately engage the government of Lesotho to explore ways and means of resolving all outstanding issues.
Such issues include the implementation of the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Inquiry to Lesotho, established following the killing of Lt.-Gen. Mahao in 2015 and others.
(Source: Xinhua/NAN)