Lesotho Participates in 12th African Security Symposium in Addis Ababa

Lesotho was among the nations represented at the 12th African Security Symposium held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in June 2025. The high-level gathering, held under the theme “Enhancing Continental Security through Defence, Innovation, Logistics and Partnership”, brought together military leaders, policymakers, and security experts from across the continent.

Lesotho’s delegation included Brigadier General Lekhooa Matlali, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics Command and Support Services (ACOS LOGS & SPT SVC), and Brigadier General Ketseletso Mofoka, the Defence Attaché at the Permanent Mission of Lesotho in Ethiopia. Their participation marked the country’s ongoing commitment to contributing to peace and security efforts within Africa.

During the symposium, Brigadier General Matlali underscored the critical role of an integrated and responsive logistics system in supporting swift troop deployment and efficient peacekeeping operations. He stressed that without strong logistical frameworks, even the best-equipped forces may struggle to respond to threats effectively.

He also pointed to the potential of public-private partnerships in enhancing defence supply chains and promoting domestic production capabilities. Such collaborations, he explained, are essential not only for sustainability but also for building strategic resilience within African defence systems.

Brigadier General Matlali further addressed the need for innovative, collaborative solutions to confront pressing transnational security challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, piracy, and arms trafficking. He emphasised that tackling these threats requires a unified approach combining defence innovation, regional cooperation, and the strategic involvement of the private sector.

Lesotho’s active engagement in this symposium reflects its growing role in regional security dialogues and its dedication to strengthening defence capacity through knowledge sharing and international collaboration.