AGP Executive Report

Morocco AFCON Qualifiers: The Royal Moroccan Football Federation says coach Mohamed Ouahbi will name the final squad next Thursday for the Gabon (Sept 25, Rabat) and Lesotho (Sept 29, Bloemfontein) qualifiers. Media Freedom in Focus: Lesotho police say they can’t move the Kananelo Boloetse abduction case forward because he is in hiding; the commissioner also admitted they don’t know if he is alive. Justice Update: The High Court will sentence two LDF members next week over the 2017 Mohale Dam killings, after convictions tied to a border post shooting. Public Health Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5m in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen early disease detection and response. Infrastructure Milestone: Two Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II bridges—Khubelu and Mabunyaneng—were opened in Mokhotlong to keep communities connected ahead of the Polihali Reservoir. Security Crackdown: South Africa and Lesotho destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized during joint operations. Food & Farming: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge to lift production, saying training alone isn’t enough. Telecoms Watch: Data prices in Lesotho fell to about M32.75 per 1GB on the cheapest 30-day bundles, down from M42 in 2023.

Journalist Abduction Case: Lesotho police say they can’t move the investigation into Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse because he is in hiding and they can’t reach him; police commissioner Borotho Matsoso said they “just hope he is still alive,” while Boloetse says his life is at risk. Public Health Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5m in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and faster outbreak response, including blood glucose machines and laptops/tablets. Infrastructure Milestone (LHWP II): Two new bridges—Khubelu and Mabunyaneng—were opened in Mokhotlong to keep communities connected as the Polihali Reservoir rises. Telecom Prices: Lesotho’s cheapest 1GB mobile data price fell to M32.75 in September 2026, down from M42.00 in 2023, with competition and Starlink cited as key drivers. Food Production Push: Agriculture minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge and skills to raise output, saying training must reach the fields. Health Crisis for Youth: Lesotho marked World Suicide Prevention Day with figures showing 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide. Crime-Fighting Guns: South African and Lesotho police destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized during joint operations. Sports (Lesotho-linked): Morocco’s AFCON qualifiers include a trip to face Lesotho, while Lesotho’s Lijabatho were eliminated from CAF Champions League after losing to CFFA.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Lesotho police say they can’t move forward on the abduction and alleged torture of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse because he is “in hiding” and not reachable, while media groups and Amnesty demand an independent investigation. Infrastructure Milestone (LHWP II): Two newly completed bridges—Khubelu and Mabunyaneng—in Mokhotlong were opened, restoring year-round access for communities affected by the Polihali Reservoir. Health Preparedness Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5m to strengthen disease surveillance and faster outbreak response. Telecoms & Cost of Living: Starlink-linked competition is pushing down mobile data prices in Lesotho, with the cheapest 30-day 1GB bundle now at M32.75 (down from M42.00 in 2023). Food Security & Farming Skills: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge and skills to raise production, saying training must reach the fields. Security Cooperation: South Africa and Lesotho destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized in joint operations to curb cross-border crime. Bail in Stick-Death Case: The High Court granted M3,000 bail to a man accused of killing Moeketsane Khotšeng with a lebetlela stick, with conditions including a cash deposit and surety.

Press freedom under pressure: Amnesty International and press groups renewed calls for an independent probe after Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and assaulted in Maseru, with the U.S. Embassy in Maseru still silent. Public safety crackdown: South Africa and Lesotho police destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized in Lesotho, part of cross-border efforts to curb trafficking and organised crime. Health boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5m to strengthen disease surveillance and early response. Local governance & infrastructure: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to oversee the unveiling of two newly completed LHWP Phase 2 bridges in Mokhotlong, improving access ahead of Polihali Dam works. Youth & jobs: A wool and mohair roadshow in Teyateyaneng and beyond is pushing youths to add value to fibre products instead of exporting raw material. Mental health warning: Lesotho marked World Suicide Prevention Day with figures showing 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide. Travel perk: South Korea says Lesotho citizens can use K-ETA to enter and stay up to 60 days.

Public Health Boost: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5 million, including blood glucose monitors, stethoscopes, ECG machines and laptops, to strengthen disease surveillance and healthcare delivery. Cross-Border Security: South Africa and Lesotho destroyed 1,787 seized firearms in a joint operation, part of efforts to stop illegal weapons feeding crime across the border. Press Freedom Alarm: Amnesty International and press groups renewed calls for an independent investigation into the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, while noting the US Embassy in Maseru has stayed silent. Mental Health Focus: Lesotho’s health ministry says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, urging a wider conversation on adolescent wellbeing. Inclusive Education Push: Special education teachers called for inclusion of children with disabilities beyond classrooms, including communities and churches. Agriculture Skills: Minister Selibe Mochoboroane said knowledge sharing is key to improving food production, urging farmers to attend skills sessions and get advice based on their fields. Infrastructure Update: LHWP Phase 2 bridges Mabunyaneng and Khubelu are set to be unveiled this week, improving year-round access between Mokhotlong and Maseru.

Public Health Support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5 million worth of medical and ICT equipment to strengthen disease surveillance and response, including laptops, tablets, blood glucose monitors and stethoscopes. Inclusive Education Push: Special education teachers urged Lesotho to end the practice of hiding children with disabilities, calling for inclusion in communities and churches, not just classrooms. Food Security Focus: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane said knowledge sharing is key to boosting grain production, urging farmers to attend skills sessions and get practical advice based on their fields. Wool & Mohair Value Addition: A Lesotho Wool and Mohair roadshow in Teyateyaneng is encouraging youths to turn raw wool and mohair into higher-value products for local and international markets. LHWP Phase 2 Progress: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will oversee LHWP II this week, including unveiling newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong. Journalism Under Threat: Amnesty International demanded an urgent, independent investigation after Lesotho journalist Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and assaulted. Travel Convenience: South Korea says Lesotho citizens can use K-ETA to enter without a visa and stay up to 60 days.

LHWP II Bridges Open Soon: Lesotho’s LHWP Phase II is set to unveil the newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, restoring year-round access on the A1 Road between Mokhotlong and Maseru as Polihali’s reservoir will submerge older low crossings. K-ETA Visa Ease for Basotho: South Korea has listed Lesotho among eight African countries whose citizens can use K-ETA instead of a traditional visa, alongside Botswana, Eswatini, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, South Africa and Tunisia. AGOA Duty-Free Relief: Lesotho secured a two-year extension of duty-free U.S. market access under AGOA, protecting key exports like textiles, apparel and fisheries until December 2028. Anti-Corruption Update: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million and cooperate after allegations tied to a M109-million agriculture tender fraud scheme. Journalist Safety Call: Amnesty International urged Lesotho authorities to investigate the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, saying attacks and intimidation against media must not go unpunished. Sports & Development: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks through World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme, while LNOC chief Letsatsi Ntsibolane downplayed “instability” fears after CEO and COO resignations.

Defence Procurement Crisis: Lesotho’s Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele has suspended the ministry’s procurement manager and taken procurement functions into his own hands, with allegations he bypassed competitive bidding and left existing suppliers in limbo. Journalist Safety Alarm: Amnesty International and other groups are calling for an independent probe into the reported abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, after claims he was tortured and threatened for his reporting. Corruption Case Update: DC MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million and become a prosecution witness in the M109 million agricultural inputs tender scandal, as the DCEO pushes for asset recovery and prosecution. LEC Accountability Pressure: The prolonged suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company executive management is being criticised as costly “limbo” that must end with clear disciplinary outcomes. Maseru City Council Money Woes: Maseru City Council is reportedly considering moving to the Old Parliament Building to ease a crippling M49 million rental arrears problem, though lease complications remain. Sports & Community: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks, while Lesotho’s cricket coach names a 14-man squad for T20 World Cup qualifiers in Nigeria and Lijabatho chase a big CAF Champions League comeback. Trade Boost: Lesotho secures duty-free U.S. market access under AGOA extended to 2028, protecting key textile, apparel and fisheries exports.

Corruption Watch: Lesotho’s DCEO says opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6-million linked to an alleged M109-million agriculture tender fraud, and will cooperate with prosecutors as investigators pursue asset recovery. Press Freedom: International and local rights groups are demanding an urgent, independent probe into the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse in Maseru, with police saying a special investigative team has resumed work. Inclusive Education: Special education experts are running a five-day workshop in Maseru to tackle barriers to inclusive schooling, using a teacher training manual and trainers’ programme to standardise support across districts. Tourism & Development: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a Tourism Pitso in September to discuss investment, market access and strategies for growing Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th independence anniversary. Telecoms: Vodacom Lesotho launched “Dynamic Airtime” for voucher-free top-ups in flexible amounts. Sports & Youth: Lesotho is drawn in Group B for the COSAFA U-20 qualifier against Angola, with the tournament in Mozambique later this month. Culture: Maseru graphic designer Teboho Hlehlehe was selected for Aranda’s 2026 Young Basotho Designers cohort, reimagining the Basotho blanket for a new generation.

Journalist Abduction: Outrage is growing in Lesotho after Newsday co-founder Kananelo Boloetse was reportedly abducted, assaulted and threatened with death in Maseru; RSF says police have resumed investigations and Amnesty International and media groups are calling for an urgent, independent probe. Special Education Push: A five-day workshop in Maseru is training teachers to improve inclusive education for learners with disabilities, using a new Teacher Inclusive Training Manual and a “training of trainers” approach. Food Security Measures: The Disaster Management Authority says food grains purchases will start on 18 September, buying registered farmers’ produce (10% per farmer) to support vulnerable households and assist farmers. Tourism Drive: Lesotho’s Tourism Pitso will run 16–17 September in Maseru, bringing government, investors and communities together to discuss investment, market access and innovation during Tourism Month. Connectivity & Airtime: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Dynamic Airtime, letting users top up with flexible amounts without needing physical recharge vouchers. EdTech Funding: Injini is opening applications for an $125,000 AI venture builder for early-stage education teams across Southern Africa, including Lesotho. Infrastructure Update: LHDA will launch the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, completing major works under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Sports (Regional): COSAFA U-20 qualifiers fixtures are out, with Lesotho drawn in Group B alongside South Africa and Angola.

Judicial and rights pressure: Amnesty International and other groups are demanding an urgent, independent investigation into the reported abduction, torture and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, saying Lesotho must protect journalists and human rights defenders and bring suspects to justice. Infrastructure and access: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority will launch the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, completing major works under Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and improving year-round connectivity for communities around the Polihali Reservoir. Tourism push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a two-day Tourism Pitso (Sept 16–17) to attract investment and partnerships, boost market access, and showcase Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th Independence anniversary. Mobile services: Vodacom Lesotho has launched voucher-free Dynamic Airtime, letting users load custom top-up amounts from LSL 1.50 for more flexible and secure airtime transactions. Sports and health: NBM Women’s Premiership Golden Boot winner Deborah Henry has undergone successful surgery after a distal fibula fracture during the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier. Trade relief: Lesotho exporters get continued duty-free access to the US after AGOA was extended to December 2028, with textiles, apparel and fisheries highlighted.

Global South Representation: Lesotho scholars say China’s Global Governance Initiative could help fix the underrepresentation of the Global South, with NUL academics backing the idea of reforming the system from within. Press Freedom Under Threat: Amnesty International is calling on Lesotho authorities to urgently investigate the reported abduction, assault and death threats against journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse, after he was allegedly taken from his home and questioned about his work. Trade Boost for Lesotho: Lesotho exporters get a reprieve as the U.S. extends AGOA duty-free access to December 2028, covering textiles, apparel and fisheries, after earlier tariff-line expiry concerns. Migration Management in the Region: South Africa’s migration enforcement continues to draw attention, with an inter-ministerial update on progress against illegal migration and violence linked to anti-foreigner protests at Che Guevara. Business & Community Finance: Liberty Life Lesotho launches a partnership with the Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA) to support officers’ financial resilience through group cover and financial literacy programmes. National Events: Lesotho marks its 60th Independence anniversary with a national prayer and walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament.

Migration Management Update: South Africa’s inter-ministerial team says progress is being made on the President’s five-point migration plan, while condemning recent violence and warning that immigration enforcement remains government’s job. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Police and the SANDF arrested 30 suspects in Mohlakeng during Operation Prosper, seizing generators, jackhammers, explosives and other equipment; suspects include Zimbabweans, Lesotho citizens, Mozambicans and South Africans. Trade & Jobs for Lesotho: Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade says AGOA has been extended by the US for two more years to December 2028, keeping duty-free access for key sectors like textiles, apparel and fisheries. Police-Staff Partnership: Liberty Life Lesotho launches a strategic partnership with LEPOSA in Maseru, offering financial protection plus financial literacy support for police staff. Justice Sector Watch: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee orders an audit at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud, with concerns that the problem may be wider. Independence Commemoration: Lesotho will hold a national prayer this Wednesday as part of the 60th Independence anniversary celebrations, starting with a walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament. Human Rights Alarm: Maseru-based journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, assaulted and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, and has opened a police case.

Court Shake-Up: Zimbabwe swore in Justice Charles Hungwe as Court of Appeal president and elevated three High Court judges to the Supreme Court, with Hungwe having recently served on secondment in Lesotho under SADC. Justice Sector Push: Lesotho’s justice institutions are being urged to move from planning to action to speed up court and police services and rebuild public trust. Independence Build-Up: Lesotho will hold a national prayer this week to mark the 60th Independence anniversary, starting with a walk from New Parliament to Old Parliament. Quality Drive: The Ministry of Trade launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards to boost competitiveness and align local products with international standards. Health System Scrutiny: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulent nursing licences, including concerns about how credentials were verified. Human Rights Alarm: Maseru journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, tortured and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, and has opened a police case. Business Pressure: A Lesotho study says firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography and a large state, while fraud and misconduct are among the hardest problems businesses can’t easily detect. Weather Watch: Lesotho-linked regional forecasts warn of severe storms and hail affecting parts of South Africa, with risks along the Lesotho border. CAF Football: Lesotho’s Lijabatho won 2-0 at home in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg, setting up the return in Madagascar.

Independence Watch: Lesotho will hold a national prayer this Wednesday to mark the 60th Independence anniversary, starting with a walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament under the theme “National Colours,” aimed at peace, unity and pride. AI & Education: Injini has opened applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder, selecting 12 teams from nine Southern African countries to build classroom-informed AI learning products, with seed funding and incubation for the strongest teams. Climate Planning: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push preparedness across government, donors, NGOs and business. Justice & Health Scrutiny: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of nursing licence fraud, while it also raised concerns about how foreign doctors’ credentials are verified. Human Rights Alarm: Journalist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted, assaulted and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, with questions tied to his work as a human rights defender. Business Pressure: A study on Lesotho’s private sector says firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography and a large state, but warns fraud and workplace misconduct are hardest for businesses to detect. Sports: Tebello Ramakongoana won bronze at the TCS Sydney Marathon again, improving his time to 2:04:57. Weather Link: South Africa’s severe storm warnings include areas along the Lesotho border, with risks of flooding, hail and strong winds.

Climate & Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with the Lesotho Meteorological Services to share the seasonal forecast and push coordinated preparedness across government, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector. Human Rights Under Threat: Human rights activist Kananelo Boloetse says he was abducted in Maseru, tortured and dumped at Thaba-Bosiu, with attackers allegedly threatening to kill him if he reports the assault. Justice Sector Pressure: The Public Accounts Committee has ordered audits at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulent nursing licences, and it is also scrutinising foreign doctors’ credentials and paediatric leadership qualifications. Tourism Leadership Allegations: Board sources at the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation say people close to the Prime Minister tried to influence the CEO selection, including pressure to recommend a specific candidate. Health & Safety Warnings: With severe storms expected regionally, authorities are issuing orange and yellow weather alerts for flooding, hail, damaging winds and travel disruption, including areas along the Lesotho border. Business & Jobs Reality Check: A new study says Lesotho firms are squeezed by high credit costs, geography, and a large state they can’t control, while fraud and workplace misconduct are harder for companies to detect. Sports Spotlight: Tebello Ramakongoana won bronze at the 2026 Sydney Marathon, and Lesotho’s Roof of Africa hard enduro is set for 24–26 September in Maseru.