Lesotho’s political tensions have sharpened after a leading opposition figure was arrested and charged with treason, with prosecutors accusing him of recruiting young Basotho men for unlawful military training on farms in South Africa.
Tšepo Lipholo, who leads the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), was taken into custody in July 2025 following a security operation at his home. During the raid, authorities seized computers and other equipment, and he has since been held as he awaits trial.
Prosecutors allege Lipholo delivered subversive statements designed to stir hatred and contempt toward King Letsie III and the Lesotho government. He is also charged with encouraging citizens to campaign for Lesotho to be fully annexed and become South Africa’s tenth province.
