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LDF MISSION
To protect territorial integrity and the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Lesotho and to uphold the binding imperatives of the Constitution of Lesotho.
Legal Framework Aspects National Defence Concept: Maintenance of territorial sovereignty and integrity The Lesotho Defence Force shall be charged with the defence of Lesotho; and with such other duties as may from time to time be determined by the Minister (Sec 145 of the Constitution of Lesotho of 1993 & Sec 5 of LDF Act No.4 of 1996 respectively).
External Obligations: Employment of the Defence outside Lesotho.
The King, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, may order that the whole or any part of the Defence shall be employed out of or beyond Lesotho (Part II Sec 6 LDF Act No.4 of 1996).
Domestic Support Operations: Offering Military Aid to Civil Power and Authorities. The Commander may, at the request of the Commissioner of Police authorize the use of any member of unit of the Defence Force in support of or give assistance to Lesotho Mounted Police Service in the discharge of their duties (Sec 190 (Sub-sects 1 & 2) LDF Act No.4 of 1996).
MISSION STATEMENT
To defend the country and provide for the security of Lesotho, participate in external security cooperation activities, and contribute in domestic support operations with the aim of:
• Protecting the Constitution of Lesotho, and to guarantee the Rule of Law.
• Ensuring national security and stability.
• Defending Lesotho's territorial integrity on land and in the air.
• Preserving Lesotho as a free, independent and sovereign State.
• Protecting the people and their properties.
• Aiding civil authorities in domestic support operations.
• Strengthening Lesotho's international relations by participating in Regional and International Security Cooperation activities.
VISION OF LDF
The Lesotho Defence Force shall be a professional, modern, affordable and accountable Force, contributing to national security through prompt and decisive response to a wide range of both internal and external defence and security related challenges.
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE IN THE JUNGLE
PHOTOS BY :Photos by the LDF
(SAMIM) commanded by Commando Lieutenant Colonel (Cdo Lt Col) Malefetsane Makhoahle, flew the national flag high in the foreign land to celebrate Lesotho’s Independence Day in Nangade district of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique on the 04th October 2022. The celebration was conducted in two phases. The first one was demonstrated through the road march from Nangade City to the contingent`s Forward Operating Base (FOB) whereby Tanzania Armed Forces, the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM), Police and Local Forces showed a support in joining. The second phase was the presentation on the history of Lesotho delivered by Cdo Lt Col Chere Makhetha at Pemba City in the same province.
On his remarks at the end of the march the Contingent Commander indicated his delight upon the event as it means a lot to the Basotho nation by noting that, “this public holiday commemorates the independence of the Kingdom of Lesotho from Britain.” He quoted the popular saying by Basotho that “motse ho cha o mabapi” literally meaning “if your neighbour’s house is on fire, then yours is yet to catch the same fire” referring to the situation in Mozambique whereby they had to intervene.
“One should arise and assist the neighbor to put out fire before it spreads to his own house. That’s why we are here in Mozambique today. We will not tolerate the killings, looting and any other act of torture to the innocent people of Mozambique and everyone living here,” emphasised Lt Col Makhoahle. Lesotho obtained its independence from Britain on the 04th October 1966 and as a result Basotho nation celebrate it annually.
The Kingdom of Lesotho is a landlocked country surrounded entirely by the Republic of South Africa. It was founded by the renowned King Moshoeshoe I who survived a series of deadly wars through peace, shrewd diplomacy, empathy and generosity in his Chieftaincy.
Lesotho was colonized by the British from 1868 until it attained independence in 1966. The "Kingdom in the sky" (Mountain Kingdom), as the country is popularly nicknamed because of its high altitude, has adopted a system of a constitutional monarchy and the head of state is His Majesty King Letsie III. The head of government is a Prime Minister.
The Section 145 Constitution of Lesotho (as amended) provides for establishment of the defence force for the defence of Lesotho (i.e. protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity). The existence of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) is, therefore, a key national objective meant for the nation to live peacefully and the country to exist as a sovereign state.
Ministry of Defence (MOD) was established in 1994 against a backdrop of need to professionalise and oversee the LDF. It provides the support function in making the organisation and the National Security Service (NSS) more accountable and transparent to the public through Parliament.
The Ministry's mandate is to promote and maintain the highest levels of state security and stability for advancement of national interests. The MOD and the LDF are administered through Principal Secretary and Commander of Defence Force respectively.
The role of the MOD Administration is to support to manage the Lesotho Defence Force by ensuring that the LDF has the necessary resources at its disposal to meet the commitments placed on them by the Constitution. It is involved in the restructuring of both the LDF and the NSS.
The Principal Secretary of Defence is mandated to oversee the Administration Department of MOD under the Minister of Defence. The mission of Administration is to uphold the notion of civil control of the military. In so doing, it ensures that there is separation of powers, legality, accountability, transparency and availability of necessary resources for the LDF.
The command and administration of the Lesotho Defence Force is vested in the Commander in terms of Section 145 (3) of The Constitution of Lesotho (as amended) which provides "The command of Defence Force shall be vested in Commander of the Defence Force." As per the Constitution and Lesotho Defence Force Act No.4 of 1996, the Commander of the organisation is appointed (or removed) by the King acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The roles of Lesotho Defence Force are detailed under Section 5 of the Lesotho Defence Force Act No. 4 of 1996 as follows: "The Defence Force shall be employed in the defence of Lesotho; in the prevention or suppression of terrorism; internal disorder; the maintenance of essential services including maintenance of law and order and prevention of crime, and such other duties as may, from time to time, be determined by the Minister."
The primary role of the Lesotho Defence Force is to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lesotho. The secondary role includes the following: assistance in the preservation of life, health and property; provision and maintenance of essential services; upholding law and order in support of the civil authorities such as the police, rendering support to other State departments as directed by government and ensuring the country's compliance with its international obligations such as partaking in peace support operations as well as in other regional military cooperation.
The history of LDF dates back to 1964 when Police Mobile Unit (PMU) was formed in response to social disturbances that included labour strikes at the time. In 1965, three British police officers, Bunn, Mcfall and Hurst arrived in Basutoland (Lesotho before independence) from Zambia, subsequently four platoons were formed, three of which were under their respective command. The fourth platoon was under the command of the then Lieutenant Metsing Lekhanya.
On the 21st July 1974 the command of the Police Mobile Unit (PMU) was given to the then Brigadier Metsing Lekhanya, who took over from Superintendent Mcfall. The Commissioner of Police was Major General (Maj Gen) B.A.Ntoi.
Over the years, the Police Mobile Unit changed status and gradually became more sophisticated in terms of equipment as compared to the police force in general. For instance, Air Wing was established in 1978 to give air capability support to PMU. It commenced with three fixed wing squadron; two Skyvans and 152 Cessna. In 1980, PMU was officially turned into a paramilitary force by the Lesotho Paramilitary Force Act No.13 of 1980. In 1986 it became Royal Lesotho Defence Force and subsequently Lesotho Defence Force in 1993.
Currently it has both the rotary and fixed wing aircrafts. The development of the Air Wing has equipped the Lesotho Defence Force with the capability to reach the inaccessible interior of the country as well as neighboring countries. Among its numerous and outstanding achievements, the Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing trained its first female pilot in the country's history in 2005.
In 1986 the military staged a coup and ousted the government of the then Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan and took power under the leadership of Major General Metsing Lekhanya. He became head of the government (Military Council) leaving Brigadier Makalang Lerotholi with Operational Command of the Lesotho Paramount Force (LPF) which was later renamed Royal Lesotho Defence Force (RLDF).
In 1991, Maj. Gen. Lekhanya was ousted in another coup, and Colonel (Col) Phisoana Ramaema, a senior member of the Military Council, assumed the chairmanship of the council. He was promoted to the rank of Major General, thereby becoming the head of the government and the Commander of the army. In 1993, Maj. Gen. Ramaema handed over the rule to the civil authority.
After the restoration of democratic civil rule, the command of the force was given to Maj. Gen. Tšeliso Metsing, but his stay at the helm of the army was short lived. He took early retirement in the mist of the 1993 intra-military disturbances.
As a result, the government appointed the former Chief of the Military Intelligence, the Director General of the National Security Services, Major General Makhula Mosakeng to assume the command of the of the LDF.
Maj. Gen. Mosakeng was faced with a mammoth task of unifying the then factionalized and politicized army. He was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.
In 2004, for the first time in the history of the LDF, a smooth transition and hand-over of command was witnessed when the then Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Motanyane took over the command from the retiring Commander Lt. Gen. Mosakeng. This transition was witnessed in a ceremony that took place at the Ratjomose Barracks and the former stayed at the helm to propel the LDF forward.
Due to growing demand for the LDF to professionalize itself and meet global security challenges, a strategic plan was devised in 1996. The plan was drawn under the auspices of the TROIKA countries; Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The Strategic Planning Group was guided in its work by the Constitution of Lesotho and the National Security Strategy/Policy. The planning kick-started with the restructuring of the force which included extensive training of personnel.
A new Act of Parliament governing administration of the military was promulgated as the Lesotho Defence Force Act No.4 of 1996.
Another round of intra-military disturbances surfaced within the army in 1998.Toxic political divisions within the country appeared to have been the major cause. The Troika countries which were led by South Africa had to intervene in the process of bringing stability in the army. The disturbances raised skepticism about the professionalism of the LDF.
In order to further strengthen professionalization within the LDF, the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of India ratified a Military Cooperation Agreement, which resulted in the dispatching of the Indian army Training Team (IATT) to Lesotho in 2001 to assist in the process. However, this move did not hinder operation of already existing training bilateral agreements with countries such as Botswana, Republic of South Africa, Nigeria, United State of America, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
These are some of the countries which help the LDF, among others, in the training of junior and senior officers in various fields, inclusive of staff and command training courses.
The Lesotho is a member state in the United Nations, African Union and Southern African Development Cooperation. Its membership in the AU Peace and Security Council contributed to the success of the restructuring and accorded the LDF an opportunity to flex its muscles with other forces in credible international exercises and operations.
To date, the LDF has participated in various joint regional peacekeeping exercises including such as Zimbabwe ("Blue Hungwe"1997), RSA ("Blue Grane"1999), Tanzania ("Tanzanite" 2002), Zambia ("Blue Angel" 2003), Botswana ("Thokgamo" 2005) as well as Tanzania ("Revuma" 2006). In these exercises countries participated on a self-contained basis.
In addition to international and regional training involvement, the LDF has also conducted bilateral exercises with South Africa and Botswana. In 2007 and 2008, the LDF held joint exercises with the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), code-named "Ex-Maluti" and "Ex-Sekaka" in Lesotho and Botswana respectively. In 2008 "Ex-Pegasus" was conducted in Lesotho by the LDF and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) air forces.
These exercises were done in accordance with UN chapter VII aimed at strengthening and maintaining peace in the African continent and the world at large. At present, countries such as Italy, UK, USA, France, Kenya, Mali and Zimbabwe offer peacekeeping training for the individual LDF officers on regular basis.
Following the launch of the Southern African Development Cooperation Brigade (SADCBRIG), based in Gaborone, Botswana, the LDF has been represented in various positions by officers of the rank of Colonel; the Interim Planning Element in 2005, the SADCBRIG Permanent Planning Element from January 2006 to December 2007 and currently represented at the Military Information Office from 2008 to date.
Lesotho, as a co-founding member of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU, nominated a colonel representing the LDF at the Military Staff Committee (MSC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from October 2004 to March 2006. In a move to show commitment to the AU's provisions of peace support missions, the LDF deployed five officers as Military Observers (MILOBs), following the invitation from the AU, under African Mission in Sudan (AMIS).
The mission was on annual rotational basis focusing on the strife-torn Sudanese region of Darfur from July 2005. The last batch arrived in Lesotho in July 2008 with the anticipation of possible extended invitation.
The LDF's participation in Peacekeeping Observer Missions was a highlight in the LDF's military history as it was the initial step that has opened a gateway for the LDF's role in broader Peace Support Operations (PSOs). LDF participated directly under UN from January 2008 in the UNAMID in war-torn Area of Sudan, Darfur.
In its many years of history, the LDF has grown in terms of infrastructure, equipment and personnel. The first major infrastructure facility was the building of the Makoanyane Barracks, which was inaugurated in 1982. Subsequently, a number of other bases were constructed strategically throughout the country. This included a base constructed in the vicinity of the multi-million Lesotho Highlands Water Project, at Mohale.
Since the arrival of the IATT, the capability and professionalism have developed considerably. The restructuring of the LDF excelled, and various units of contemporary nature such as Special Force being established. The capabilities of the Engineering Unit expanded to Combat Engineering while the Military Band was also strengthened with the founding of a Pipe Band.
The rebirth of Para-trooping Company resurfaced with the assistance of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in continuation of exchange training programs between the two defence forces.
In continuation of the restructuring process, in early 2000, the LDF accomplished a mammoth task of building a fully-fledged Light Infantry Brigade with the correct structure in place thereby marking another step in the right direction which gave an impetus to the 2028 LDF restructuring master plan.
As a follow up to the plan, in 2007 a Manning Policy and Promotion Policy for the LDF personnel were introduced and kick started as a move to enhance transparency. 2008 marked a milestone in the LDF, where for the first time members were promoted based on standardized merits. Members had to pass the examination as per requirements. This was complemented by Officer Cadet Course Serial No 1 of 2008 held locally where 29 personnel including Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates were promoted to the rank of second lieutenant; comprising the second batch in the history of the LDF. That was the second of its nature while the first was held in Lesotho by the British Instructors in 1995.
Peace-support capability has been reinforced with the development of a Peacekeeping Company to meet international army standards. The LDF refurbished the Military Police Service (MPS) into the present day Military Police (MP) unit as the custodian and overseer of army discipline. Members of the MP had their basic policing training in Botswana, and to-date are skilled Sniffer-Dog handlers – a commendable global modern skill in crime detection, including anti-terrorism and drug prevention; to name but few.
In 1977, a medical clinic supervised by the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital was opened at Ratjomose Barracks in pursuit of proximity, centralization and accessibility of medical services to the army personnel and their close relatives.
In 1988 the Makoanyane Military Hospital was constructed with the assistance of the then South African Defence Force (SADF). In the same vein, a wellness clinic, catering for various health services, was constructed in 2007 at Makoanyane Military Base. The project was financed by the United States Department of Defence.
In 1997, the LDF inaugurated Public Affairs Office (PAO), in a bid to impart information to the public to foster accountability; one of the pillars of democracy. This was followed by the launch of the army newsmagazine, MARA, in 2001. Although the magazine has met major challenges leading to its ceasing to publish, it is expected that it will be re-invented with renewed impetus.
In a bid to be on a level par with other countries, the LDF PAO increased its capabilities by deploying qualified professionals in the field of Communication Science and Information and Communication Technology. The office made a brave and bold move of putting the LDF in the internet by creating the Lesotho Defence Force facebook Page and Website.
PHOTOS BY :Photos by the LDF .
Forces; Lesotho Defence Force and South African National Defence Force (LDF & SANDF) held the annual National Defence Force (LDF & SANDF) held the annual bilateral games at the SANDF Tempe Military Base in Mangaung on the 07th September 2022 under the motto ‘‘Friendship Through Sports’’.
They competed on various sporting codes being; Football, Rugby, Volleyball, Netball, Tennis, Taekwondo, Boxing, Darts, Pool, Race-walk, Marathon, Jaskay, Combat Rifle and Pistol Shooting.
In Football, the LDF had beaten the SANDF 2 to 0, the same score was attained in Netball, Taekwondo, Darts, Race-walk and Marathon. The SANDF team won in Rugby, Volleyball, Tennis, Pool, Jaskay, Combat Rifle and Pistol Shooting while they played to a draw in Boxing.
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Delivering the speech on behalf of the LDF the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Major General (Maj Gen) Matela Matobakele congratulated the SANDF on their win and awarded them a trophy. He also paid special gratitude to the SANDF as an organiser of the competition for making it a success regardless of the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic as well as the current economic challenge.
‘‘It is easy to choose a friend but not easy to choose a neighbour,’’ indicated Maj Gen Matobakele expressing the importance of good relationship between Lesotho and South Africa as neighbours. He also emphasized the importance of promoting good relationship ‘‘because it is not possible to run away from being neighbours.’’
Strengthening his point, Maj Gen Matobakele pointed out that there are high ranking officers of the LDF who received their trainings at the SANDF institutions.
On behalf of the SANDF, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Mziwethu Mlamli Tanda congratulated the participants about the good behaviour they displayed during the competitions. He shared the same sentiments with Maj Gen Matobakele that sports indeed builds friendship.
News and Pictures by Pvt `Mapule Litabe
PHOTOS BY :Photos by the LDF Contingent in Mozambique.
The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Contingent deployed in Mozambique in the district of Nangade, Cabo Delgado Province under SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) officially handed over full equipped football ground with balls, goal posts and nets to Maiaia, the local football team of Alamba village on the 19th August 2023.
The Contingent Commander Commando Lieutenant Colonel (Cdo Lt Col) Malefetsane Makhoahle together with Officers and Soldiers contributed from their own pockets to give back to the community of Alamba by developing their ground which was not in good condition.
This is among other initiatives done by the Contingent to the residents of Nangade to assist them in rebuilding their lives as they gradually return back to their villages after they flew due to brutal killings by the Insurgents.
When handing over, Cdo Lt Col Makhoahle expressed the importance of giving back to others, especially something of significant value that they would always be remembered by even after they complete the mission.
“We realised the love of football in this Community and how much it brought the people together during the previous football tournaments that was held here and we saw it befitting to instil that love even more, hopefully to last forever”, said Cdo Lt Col Makhoahle.
He went on to urge the residents to continue working harmoniously with the SAMIM Forces and assured them that their greatest advantage in winning the war is if they continue to work together and be involved in activities that bring them together like football.
When accepting the donation the Director of Health Services in Nangade district Mr Lussa Antonio expressed his gratitude to the LDF Contingent Commander and SAMIM Forces as a whole for not only protecting the people of Mozambique but also for restoring hope to the despaired Community and to continue working together in rebuilding their lives. He urged the Community to take good care of donated gift so as to benefit in future.
Went on the contingent Commander, “Terrorism is very contagious, if SADC member states turned a blind eye to the situation here in Mozambique, it would have spread to the other SADC countries”.
PHOTOS BY :Photos by the LDF Contingent in Mozambique.
in the Nangade district of Cabo Delgado under SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) commemorated Mozambique Heroes Day by conducting a Civil Military Cooperation activity in the form of a medical outreach on 03 February 2023, at Nangade Sede (Nangade Memorial Grounds) with the purpose of promoting the already existing good relations with the populace of Nangade.
About two hundred (200) residents of Nangade district (men, women and children) benefited from the outreach that day only. They included pregnant women who were in desperate need of medical services. The contingents also handed over some medication packages to the Nangade Health Centre freely.
For the success of the operation, the contingents joined hands with Nangade Health Services workers. Medical services provided in this outreach were all free. These Medical Services included primary health care and Malaria screening and treatment.
The operation boosted the Nangade Health Centre which at times runs out of medication for the services provided by the contingents.
PHOTOS BY :LDF
Gujarat on the 18th October 2022. The objective of the Summit is to ensure peace, security, stability, economic growth and prosperity between India and African countries. Lieutenant General Letsoela also had the opportunity to meet the former Indian Army Training Team Leader in Lesotho, in 2005 at the Summit.
