LESOTHO CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MASERU 000503 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM PNAT LT SUBJECT: LESOTHO CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE REF: MASERU 468 MASERU 00000503 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Amidst a rush of enthusiastic patriotism and against the backdrop of a new national flag, Lesotho celebrated the 40th anniversary of its independence during three days of celebrations that culminated on October 4. The ceremonies were attended by a number of foreign dignitaries--including the Presidents of Botswana and Sierra Leone, as well as former Zambian President Kaunda--and provided a high level of visibility for senior GOL officials who will stand for reelection next year. Although Lesotho faces challenges in the coming months to increase transparency in the political process and improve dialogue and power-sharing, the successful commemoration of 40 years of independence gave renewed hope to the Basotho people for a stable future, including aspirations for peaceful national elections in 2007. End Summary. A Three-Day Party -------------- ¶2. (U) Lesotho celebrated its 40th anniversary of independence with a three-day celebration October 2-4. A variety of foreign dignitaries attended officials events, including Botswana President Festus Mogae; Sierra Leone President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah; South Africa Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; the Prime Ministers of Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique, and Swaziland; and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, among others. Events included a tree planting ceremony at the statue of King Moshoeshoe I, royal horse races, a youth festival, and a lunch conference hosted by the Prime Minister to launch a Lesotho "Vision 2020" development plan. The Ambassador, Chargi, P/DEP (Public Diplomacy, Economic, and Political) Officer, and Consul represented the USG at various official functions, including main ceremonies at the Setsoto National Stadium and a State Banquet hosted by King Letsie III at the Royal Palace. ¶3. (SBU) At midnight on October 3, a ceremonial military formation conducted an official flag-raising ceremony to mark the inauguration of the new national flag (reftel). The event, complete with a military brass band, fireworks, and an oratory from King Letsie III, was enthusiastically received by an audience of approximately 1,000. Representatives of Maseru- and Pretoria-based diplomatic missions were present despite near-freezing temperatures. The only naysayer in the crowd was 
an older gentleman who stood, saluted, and shed a tear as the old flag was lowered. He later explained to the P/DEP Officer that he had designed the retired Lesotho flag. A Gathering of "Liberation Solidarity" -------------- -------------- ¶4. (U) During introductions to the official independence ceremonies on October 4, the GOL Government Secretary recognized visiting ambassadors from Cuba, the Czech Republic, Malawi, and the UK. Botswana's President Mogae spoke on behalf of the distinguished visitors, stating that all countries invited represented "brothers" among the frontline states who had supported Lesotho during the apartheid era, and that the present gathering was one of African "liberation solidarity." In his remarks, King Letsie III acknowledged historical accomplishments, but focused on the need to move forward in the fight against HIV/AIDS. With the new Lesotho flag on display, the monarch foresaw a new beginning for his kingdom. Local popular musicians, with a heavy emphasis on accordian acts, whipped up the crowd between speeches. Sir Kenneth Kaunda and Friends -------------- -- ¶5. (U) On the evening of October 4, King Letsie III hosted a State Banquet to close the Independence Day celebrations. The King expressed gratitude to leaders throughout the region who had stood by Lesotho during its "arduous 40-year journey to achieve economic and political development." He paid special tribute to former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, whom the King knighted as "Commander of Most Courteous Order of Lesotho," the country's highest award, for Kaunda's "service to Zambia, Lesotho, and the region in the fight against colonialism, apartheid, poverty, and HIV/AIDS." The King also awarded high honors to David Ambrose (former lecturer at the National University of Lesotho),Sephiri Motanyane (Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly),Meshu Mokitimi (Lesotho Congress for Democracy member),and N. Sidzamba (the late Headmaster of Lesotho High School). ¶6. (SBU) King Letsie also expressed gratitude for the presence of Sierra Leone President Kabbah, asking the audience in jest why "the leader of a small, remote West African country would come all the way to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho for dinner." The King explained the mystery, noting that Kabbah had served MASERU 00000503 002.2 OF 002 in Maseru as UNDP resident representative in the early 1970s, once inviting the future King, then a young prince, to dinner. Note: Charge spoke privately with Kabbah, a former acquaintance during the latter's exile in Guinea following the 1997 Freetown military coup. Kabbah, who was relaxed and appeared to be in excellent health, said he had been lonely in the years since his wife's premature death (following Kabbah's post-coup restoration to the Presidency),but expressed confidence about the political situation in Sierra Leone and optimism for the future. End Note. Comment: An Encouraging Sign for Stability -------------- -------------- ¶7. (SBU) On the heels of Lesotho's successful hosting in August of the SADC summit and assumption of the SADC chair, a mishap-free Independence Day celebration presented a positive, stable image of the nation to the region. During his presentation to the "Vision 2020" launching event, Ministry of Finance Principal Secretary Dr. Moeketsi Majoro made the case that Lesotho's economic development and prosperity were primarily an offshoot of continued political stability. Although Lesotho faces challenges in the coming months to increase transparency in the political process and improve dialogue and power-sharing, the successful commemoration of 40 years of independence gave renewed hope to the Besotho people for a stable future, including aspirations for peaceful national elections in 2007. End Comment. MURPHY