In a powerful show of unity, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), and the Christian Council of Lesotho (CCL) marched side by side with Mokhosi oa ’Mangoana, a grassroots movement of concerned mothers, to take a public stand against drug abuse in the country.
The anti-drug campaign began with a peaceful march from Setsoto Stadium to the Police Training College in Maseru, where participants, including military personnel, church leaders, law enforcement, and families, carried placards urging Basotho to reject drugs and protect the nation’s youth.
A Collective Call to Action
Addressing the crowd, Major General Khomo Mohobo of the LDF praised Mokhosi oa ’Mangoana for leading the charge in the fight against drug abuse and called on parents across the country to take a more active role in their children’s lives.
“It is a parent’s duty to guide their children and keep them away from drugs,” said Mohobo. “Change begins with each of us. Say no to drugs. Say no to substance abuse.”
He stressed the importance of creating safe, nurturing homes as the first line of defence against the growing drug crisis, which is tearing apart communities and derailing young lives.
The Power of Mothers on a Mission
Mokhosi oa ’Mangoana, meaning “a mother’s cry,” is a community-based group of mothers whose children have been affected by substance abuse. The group has become a vital voice in the national dialogue on drug prevention, offering support to families and calling for collaborative solutions to protect future generations.
Through marches, outreach, and counselling, Mokhosi oa ’Mangoana raises awareness about the devastating effects of drugs on families, schools, and neighbourhoods. Their mission is to ensure that no child is left to face addiction alone and that no parent remains silent in the face of this national crisis.
“We have seen what drugs do to our sons and daughters,” one member of the group said during the event. “We are here to speak up for every mother who has lost sleep, peace, or even a child to addiction. Enough is enough.”
Churches and Security Forces Join the Fight
The involvement of the CCL, LMPS, and LDF marks a significant step forward in creating a united front against drug abuse. The presence of churches alongside police and military institutions sends a clear message that the fight against drugs is not just a policing issue, but a national moral and social responsibility.
Leaders from the Christian Council echoed calls for community-wide vigilance and urged the public to strengthen family values, offer spiritual guidance, and promote rehabilitation rather than punishment for those already affected by addiction.
Building a Drug-Free Future
This march is part of a broader campaign aimed at restoring hope to families and empowering young people to choose a life free from drugs. Organisers hope it will spark a wider conversation across Lesotho — from homes and schools to churches and workplaces — about how every citizen can play a role in ending substance abuse.
With drug-related crimes and addiction cases on the rise, public health experts have warned that immediate action is needed to prevent a deeper national crisis. Mokhosi oa ’Mangoana believes the key lies in community-led support, strong parental involvement, and coordinated efforts between civil society and state institutions.
As the march ended at the Police Training College, participants reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the voices of mothers, community leaders, and law enforcement aligned in this crucial battle.
“Let this not be a one-day event,” said one officer. “Let it be the beginning of a movement that grows louder and stronger — until every child is safe, and every home is drug-free.”
