Lesotho ‘coup’ forces PM Thabane to South Africa

The prime minister of the southern African kingdom of Lesotho has fled to South Africa, alleging a coup by the army and saying his life is in danger.

Speaking to the BBC, Thomas Thabane said he would return from South Africa, which surrounds Lesotho, “as soon as I know I am not going to get killed”.

Reports say the capital, Maseru, is now calm after soldiers seized buildings. The army denied staging a coup.

Lesotho has seen a series of military coups since independence in 1966.

Mr Thabane has headed a unity government since, but suspended parliament sessions in June amid feuding in his coalition.

He denied accusations that his actions had undermined his government.

‘Illegal coup’

Mr Thabane said the army had rendered the government “dysfunctional”, an action that amounted to a coup.

“I have been removed from control not by the people but by the armed forces, and that is illegal,” he said.

“I came into South Africa this morning and I will return as soon as my life is not in danger. I will not go back to Lesotho to get killed.”

BBC 

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