AFRICA/LESOTHO - South Africa concerned about the "explosive" situation in Lesotho

AFRICA/LESOTHO - South Africa concerned about the "explosive" situation in Lesotho

    Maseru (Agenzia Fides) - Concern in South Africa about the situation described as "explosive" in Lesotho, after the killing, last week, of former Chief of Staff, General Maaparankoe Mahao, who according to family members was murdered by men who wore military uniforms and driving army vehicles. The leadership of South Africa sent Vice President Cyril Ramaphosa to try to mediate between the various factions vying for control of the country.

In September 2014 a coup attempt had thrown Lesotho into chaos (see Fides 08/09/2014). The elections held in March were, however, defined by the observers free and transparent (see Fides 09/03/2015). South Africa fears a wave of refugees if the situation in the neighboring country were to worsen, exacerbating xenophobic tensions registered in recent months (see Fides 17/04/2015). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 03/07/2015)