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

This report analyzes the historical evolution and governance of the military in Lesotho, tracing its transition from a destabilizing force under authoritarian rule to a professionalized body under civilian control following the 1993 democratic transition. It examines the legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, and regional security dynamics that shape the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

• The military in Lesotho has transitioned from being a primary driver of political instability to a professionalized force. This shift is attributed to security sector reforms and the 1993 democratic transition, which helped institutionalize civil control and a culture of professionalism within the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
• The governance of the LDF is established by the 1993 Constitution and the Lesotho Defence Force Act of 1996. The Prime Minister serves as the commander-in-chief and determines the operational use of the force, while actual command is vested in a commander appointed by the king on the Prime Minister's advice.

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} }