Government steps up propaganda against Setipa

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Sunseliko

The government says Lesotho candidate Joshua Setipa’s campaign for the Commonwealth National Secretary General is making progress.

The election for this coveted position is scheduled to take place in Samoa from October 21 to 27, 2023.

Lesotho’s focus in the first four months of 2024 has been on engaging with Commonwealth diplomatic missions in London. The government said it has received positive feedback from 47 high-level commissions.

During this period, bilateral contacts were also held with the Foreign Ministers of the Bahamas, Malta, Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister Lehon Mpojone led a campaign delegation that visited Cyprus, Canada, the Bahamas, Namibia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

A written statement of support was issued after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers meeting on March 11, 2024, further strengthening Mr Setipa’s candidacy.

According to the latest report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Chief Chief Siso Siso, brother of His Majesty King Letsie III, will travel to Swaziland, Botswana, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and the Maldives in June and July to conduct campaign activities to consolidate support for Mr. Setipa. ?

Also invited to promote Mr Setipa is experienced politician and former foreign minister Mohlabi Tsekoa, who will visit Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mauritius and Seychelles during the same period.

Another former foreign minister, Matsepo Ramakoae, was also sent on a similar mission to the Caribbean countries of Jamaica, Barbados and St. Lucia.

Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane will also make campaign visits to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria to canvass votes for Mr Setipa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations said the event has received positive feedback from participating countries so far.

Next election campaign The debate is scheduled to take place at Chatham House in London on September 11. All candidates vying for the post of Commonwealth Secretary-General will take part in the debate, including Mr Setipa.

The government said it had used the campaign to engage Setipa with other countries on other important bilateral issues.

For example, the report states that important discussions took place with senior officials from Australia, Canada and New Zealand on key areas such as renewable energy, mining, institutional capacity building and training opportunities for Basotho citizens.

The ministry said the discussions laid the foundation for a broad and structured bilateral cooperation framework for Lesotho.