The Prime Minister, Dr Moeketsi Majoro on Friday officiated the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) passing out parade where 497 army recruits were promoted to the rank of private held at Makoanyane Military Barracks.
The event which also marked the 40th anniversary of the LDF, followed the eleven months completion of the recruits training.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Majoro said the day marks the significance of this ceremony in the lives of new army recruits, expressing his gratitude to parents, communities, trainers, the LDF Commander and everyone who was involved in upbringing and training of these recruits by molding them into young adults that have taken oath of allegiance to serve the esteemed LDF and Basotho.
“The recruits join an army that must undergo transformation into a force that is always subjected to a civilian authority and must participate actively in development activities and food security,” he said, noting that it must be the army that supports the constitution, democracy and will forever avoid politicisation.
Dr Majoro therefore called on his political counterparts to protect this army and its members from political interference and intrusion, saying they are an assert to Basotho not politicians.
When addressing the recruits, the Prime Minister urged them to always show the love and respect they have for the country and Basotho, further urging them to follow instructions which are inconsistent with the Supreme law, they are aligned with provision of the LDF Act regarding the army primary and secondary mandate while also have military objective and principles in a democratic dispensation.
In conclusion, he warned the recruits that this event comes at the crucial time when the country is faced with criminal activities that include murder, rape, stock theft and others, however expressing appreciation that the newly established ‘Operation Restore Hope’ is reported to be successful regarding fight against stock theft hence urged them to join the fight against crime in the country.