Lesotho Independence

By triedandtested@hotmail.com

  • South Africa blocks borders

    South Africa demands expulsion of anti-apartheid activists. Major-General Justin Lekhanya replaces Chief Jonathan in coup.

  • Independence

    Independence as Kingdom of Lesotho, with Moshoeshoe II as king and Chief Leabua Jonathan (Basotho National Party) as prime minister.

  • Opposition Basutoland Congress Party leads in polls

    Chief Jonathan suspends constitution, sends king into temporary exile.

  • King Moshoeshoe II goes into exile

    Disagreements over the constitution. His son is sworn in as Letsie III.

  • Internal Conflict

    Fighting among rival army factions.

  • Prime Minister gains second term.

    Prime Minister Mosisili is sworn-in for a second five-year term.

  • Highlands Water Project opens

    Official opening of first phase of multi-billion-dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which supplies water to South Africa.

  • New Prime Minister

    ABC's Thomas Thabane becomes prime minister following elections.

  • Thomas Thabane returns to power

    Prime Minister Thabane flees to South Africa, accusing the military of trying to overthrow him. In 2017 Prime Minister Mosisili loses early elections, Thomas Thabane returns to power.

  • Diamond magnate becomes Prime Minister

    Diamond magnate-turned-politician Sam Matekane becomes prime minster.

  • 200 years of Independence

    Lesotho celebrates 200 years as a nation and 58 years of independence.