Africa-Press – Lesotho. The government, members of the public, civil society organisations, politicians and different society representatives are in the war room discussing the future of the National Reforms Authority (NRA) as its term
comes to an end by the end of this month. On Monday this week, the NRA held a ‘High-Level Forum on the Status of Implementation of the Lesotho National Reforms’ at ‘Manthabiseng
Convention Centre in Maseru. The purpose of this forum is for the Authority to report on the ground covered as far as the implementation of the reforms is concerned and
for the stakeholders to reflect on the “options for the future of the Lesotho National Reforms process beyond 30th April 2022”. The 59 member body was established through the parliament
act, National Reforms Authority Act 2019 to implement the reforms in seven thematic areas which are: Judiciary, Constitution, Public Service, Economy,
Media, Parliament and Security Sector. The Authority is charged with the responsibility of translating the nation’s aspirations contained in the Plenary II report.
Basotho had decided to “turn the page and cross the rivers of despair and desperation, scale the mountain of faith and hope, and descent into the valley
of success and progress”. NRA also has a three-pronged mandate of reforming the laws, reforming the institutions and recommending mechanisms for peace, national
unity and reconciliation. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister (PM) Dr Moeketsi Majoro said the journey had been tediously marked with challenges, nonetheless
the country stayed the course in the endeavour to “turn a new page and build a new stable and prosperous Lesotho. ” “The current international political landscape points to the
fact that we are at the intersection of several dimensions; both positive and negative. Internationally, we are witnessing what we thought in this era would
exist only in the realm of dreams. Not by any stretch of the imagination did we discern, even faintly for that matter, a physical war between two civilized European
Nations. I could be wrong, but I certainly doubt if anybody can boldly claim he saw it coming; a tragic episode of a total collapse of dialogue between Russia
and Ukraine, and a physical armed confrontation that has ensued. “It is not within my space to blame any of the two nations. My purpose is to conscientize to you that the conflict in question is an
example of how peace can be a volatile and elusive phenomenon. Peace cannot be taken for granted; it requires constantly working on it; and by everyone.
Lest we forget, the central issue in our national reforms process is attaining sustainable peace, national unity, healing and reconciliation. This is because
unless we attain peace amongst ourselves as a nation, the reforms we are undertaking will amount to a naught. “Thus, our journey to the re-birth of Lesotho will not be
complete until we attain sustainable peace, national unity, healing and reconciliation. Indeed, the Devine Book is on point when it says that “Ntlo e itoantšang e fetoha lesupi” – which is translated as “A house divided cannot
stand”. We can pass laws and adopt reforms. However, peace and security will require reconciliation, forgiveness and atonement. At this point I wish to
invite all religious, 3 traditional and political leaders to continue to play their part to help us reach these goals as a nation that is preparing for a
peaceful and prosperous future,” he said. The PM further highlighted that the reforms are undertaken to build and strengthen democracy as a critical element for peace and stability.
For his part, the NRA Chairperson Chief Pelele Letsoela said there is a need to move from ambition into a reality. The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Amanda Khozi
Mukwashi reflected on the history of the founder of the Basotho nation King Moshoeshoe I when taking stock of the reforms. “In trying to understand the journey that you are on, it is
to the founder of this nation that I turned. When looking at the process that you have been on as a Nation, it is clear to see that the National Reforms Process tries to embody those values
that were present at the establishment of this nation. The values of peace, and mutual respect that all Basotho desire to see and enjoy in their nation.
“The need for structures, systems and resources that contribute to making the lives of Basotho better and their lived experiences filled with dignity.
A nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their full potential. That is my understanding of what the founder of this nation was about and that is what I believe I see in the
National Reforms process. ” The UN Resident Coordinator underscored that the future of the reforms requires an in-depth consideration and mechanisms and structures of
continuity as agreed by all stakeholders. She also re-affirmed the UN commitment to stand in solidarity with Basotho in the reforms process and the anticipated national cohesion.
Mukwashi concluded by quoting King Moshoeeshoe I when he said: “I want peace. Peace is the rain that makes the grass grow. War is the wind that dries it up.
” On behalf of the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Monyane Moleleki, Prof.
Ntoi Rapapa said it will be manifestly clear in the next five years that the country was on track. He said the position of the opposition is that the reform’s
journey is “long” and there needs to be a structure to ensure the implementation. “The real implantation is in line with public opinion as per the Plenary II,” he said adding that they require everyone’s involvement.
“We are fully committed to all these reforms,” he said. According to the NRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Advocate
Mafiroane Motanyane, the Authority is facing financial constraints hence it cannot be able to return to the public and report on the progress made. The CEO said reforms “disturb the status quo and naturally
attract opposition [there is a] need for active engagement with the stakeholders to foster political will”. Reflecting on the outcome post April 30, Advocate Motanyane
said: “If government leads the process, will that satisfy the principles underpinning the reforms process, National ownership, inclusivity and transparency?”
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