Lesotho: PM Defying Pressure to Step Down

Prime Minister Tom Thabane is showing no signs of wanting to resign from his post until his target date of 31 July.

The 80-year-old politician was expected to vacate his position this Friday, 22 May, when a new government is due to be installed after his coalition recently disbanded in parliament.

According to reports, however, attorney general Haae Phoofolo wrote a five-page letter, in which he indicated that Thabane should not feel compelled to resign so soon.

Phoofolo wrote: “It would be unlawful if [Thabane] is forced out of office through a process that is not sanctioned by the constitution. It would be unlawful to force him out of office without following the requirements of the law as that would amount to a coup.”

The attorney general also pointed out that the only way to force Thabane out of office is via a vote of no confidence by members of parliament after 22 May.

Thabane is facing pressure to resign due to his alleged connection with the murder of his ex-wife, Lipolelo, who was shot dead while driving to her home in Maseru in June 2017.

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