Lesotho Reaffirms Commitment to African Peace and Security Through AU PSC Induction

On 2 April 2026, the Kingdom of Lesotho demonstrated its unwavering commitment to advancing peace, security, and stability across Africa by actively participating in the induction programme for newly elected Members of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) held in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The programme brought together incoming and continuing Members of the Council, alongside key stakeholders within the African Peace and Security Architecture, to strengthen institutional understanding, enhance coordination, and align priorities in addressing the continent’s evolving security landscape. Lesotho’s involvement underscored its determination to contribute meaningfully to multilateral efforts aimed at preventing conflict and promoting sustainable stability across the continent. The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and capacity building for all participants. It also highlighted the critical role of collaboration among Member States in tackling Africa’s complex security challenges.

Lesotho’s delegation was led by H.E. Ambassador Ntsiuoa Sekete, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the African Union, supported by Brigadier General Ketseletso Mofoka, Defence Attaché, and two experts: Advocate Tatolo Sefeane, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Lesotho to the African Union, and Relebohile Moeti, First Secretary for Political Affairs, Africa and Middle East, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. Their presence reflected Lesotho’s comprehensive approach to participation, combining diplomatic, technical, and military expertise to ensure effective engagement. The delegation actively engaged in discussions, sharing perspectives drawn from Lesotho’s experiences in regional peace initiatives and conflict prevention efforts. Their participation also reinforced the importance of building capacity and institutional knowledge for effective representation on continental security issues. This approach positioned Lesotho to contribute effectively to the strategic discussions shaping the AU’s peace and security agenda.

A significant highlight of Lesotho’s participation was the involvement of Professor Mafa Sejanamane, former Ambassador of Lesotho to the African Union and a distinguished former Member of the Peace and Security Council. Professor Sejanamane acted as a resource person during the induction, providing valuable insights based on his extensive experience. He shared perspectives on the Council’s working methods, decision-making processes, and the need for principled leadership in managing Africa’s security affairs. His guidance offered practical advice to incoming Members and enriched the deliberations by combining historical knowledge with current challenges. Participants benefited from his reflections on fostering effective collaboration, maintaining institutional integrity, and navigating the complexities of peace and security governance.

During the sessions, Ambassador Sekete emphasised Lesotho’s readiness to contribute proactively to the Council’s work. She highlighted the importance of strengthening preventive diplomacy, enhancing early warning mechanisms, and ensuring the effective implementation of Council decisions amid increasingly complex and interconnected security challenges. These priorities reflected Lesotho’s recognition of evolving threats, including cross-border conflicts, terrorism, and humanitarian crises, and underscored the need for coordinated continental responses. Ambassador Sekete also stressed that sustained engagement, capacity building, and collaboration with African Union bodies are essential for the success of the Council’s mandate. Her statements reinforced Lesotho’s strategic vision for peace and security rooted in cooperation and pragmatic solutions.

The induction programme offered Lesotho an opportunity to engage with fellow Member States, the African Union Commission, and technical bodies such as the Military Staff Committee and the Committee of Experts. Discussions covered critical areas including conflict prevention, peace support operations, post-conflict reconstruction, development, and sustainable financing through mechanisms such as the AU Peace Fund. These interactions allowed Lesotho to contribute to shaping policy and strategy while learning from the experiences of other Member States. Engagement in these thematic areas strengthened Lesotho’s capacity to address security challenges effectively and to support African-led solutions to conflicts. This collaborative approach underscored the value of shared responsibility in achieving long-term peace and stability.

Lesotho’s participation in the induction follows its election to the Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, reflecting the confidence of Member States in its commitment to peace, multilateralism, and principled diplomacy. As a Council Member, Lesotho is expected to play an active role in shaping the continental peace and security agenda, guided by the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the vision of Agenda 2063. Its engagement highlights the country’s dedication to dialogue, unity, and supporting African-led responses to African challenges. Participation in the induction programme marked an important step in preparing Lesotho to discharge its responsibilities effectively. The Kingdom remains resolute in promoting stability, fostering cooperation, and ensuring that its contributions support sustainable peace across the continent.

Lesotho’s active engagement in the AU PSC induction programme illustrates its determination to uphold Africa’s peace and security agenda. By combining diplomatic leadership, expert knowledge, and practical experience, Lesotho is positioning itself as a reliable partner in conflict prevention and resolution. The country’s focus on early warning mechanisms, preventive diplomacy, and collaboration with regional stakeholders strengthens its ability to address emerging threats. Its participation also signals to other Member States a commitment to multilateralism and principled decision-making. Lesotho’s contributions will continue to reinforce the African Union’s efforts in creating a secure and stable continent for all.