From a destabilising factor to a politicised and professional force: The military in Lesotho

The document analyzes the transformation of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) from its origins as a paramilitary unit to its current state as a professionalized military. It details the shift from military rule (1986–1993) to a democratic dispensation starting in 1993, highlighting the role of security sector reforms supported by South Africa, Botswana, and India. The report examines the legal and institutional frameworks—including the 1993 Constitution and the 1996 LDF Act—that establish civilian oversight, while noting that power remains heavily centralized in the Prime Minister's office. It also discusses the LDF's role within the SADC regional security framework and the challenges of balancing defence spending with socio-economic priorities.

• Between 1986 and 1993, Lesotho experienced a period of military rule following a coup that ousted the Basotho National Party (BNP), leading to a decline in internal cohesion and discipline within the military.

APA

Matlosa, K. (n.d.). From a destabilising factor to a politicised and professional force: The military in Lesotho. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/EVOLUTCHAP4.PDF

Chicago

Matlosa, Khabele. From a destabilising factor to a politicised and professional force: The military in Lesotho. Institute for Security Studies, n.d. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/EVOLUTCHAP4.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Matlosa |first1=Khabele |title=From a destabilising factor to a politicised and professional force: The military in Lesotho |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/EVOLUTCHAP4.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{matlosandfrom, author = {Matlosa, Khabele}, title = {{From a destabilising factor to a politicised and professional force: The military in Lesotho}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/EVOLUTCHAP4.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }