Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho – Strategic Cooperation for a Brighter Future I wish to pay my humble respects to you, the citizens of Lesotho, as my time here draws to a close.
For the last four years, I have had the honor of a lifetime serving as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Lesotho. I will forever feel a connection to the Basotho people and to this beautiful
kingdom. This bond comes not only from our shared love for horse riding, but also from the profound link between the people of Lesotho and the land – a landscape that calls to mind my home state
of Texas. I am deeply proud of how we have worked together to continue building strong bonds of partnership and friendship between our countries. The United States is Lesotho’s longest standing and most resolute partner – we
recognized Lesotho shortly after its independence in 1966. Our relationship is based on shared values, genuine respect, and our shared goal of a prosperous, peaceful, healthy, and
vibrant Lesotho. As I reflect on what the United States and the Kingdom of Lesotho have accomplished together over these years, several key areas of achievement come to mind, including our
progress to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, strengthen the economy, advance good governance and the rule of law, and enhance criminal justice collaboration to combat trafficking in persons and criminality.
Progress on Critical Health Issues
For decades, working with communities and local authorities to improve health has been the United States’ greatest priority in Lesotho. Over the past two years, the U.
S. government has donated over 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX to Lesotho, and has rapidly deployed health, humanitarian, and economic support assistance to fight this pandemic.
Despite the tumult of COVID-19, we congratulate Lesotho for continuing to deliver much-needed HIV and health services, surpassing the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets; leading successful
vaccination efforts; and completing the 2020 Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact (LePHIA) survey. I vividly recall the gala premiere of the PEPFAR Champions documentary, at which we were honored
by the presence of Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso. At this event, we gathered to celebrate ten Basotho who powerfully narrated their individual journeys of living with HIV
and serving their communities. Through their work and sharing their personal stories, these champions fundamentally altered the way people living with HIV are seen by their fellow citizens.
Here in the Mountain Kingdom, our PEPFAR funding has totaled nearly $630 million (10.5 billion Maloti) to date, and it continues to support vital life-saving work across all ten districts.
During my first year as Ambassador, I had the privilege to travel to each of Lesotho’s districts to see first-hand how our programs touched the lives of Lesotho’s
citizens in every corner of the country. ‘Ke Hahlaula Lesotho’ was the official title of my 10-district tour, and during that time I met extraordinary
Basotho and Americans working side-by-side for the betterment of local communities. I saw the impact of our PEPFAR-supported mobile clinics – some of which could only be reached on horseback, much to my
delight! – as well as the impact of our Peace Corps Volunteers’ programs in the areas where they served. In 2018, I also had the honor of launching the #IamFollowingMyDREAMS campaign in Thaba Bosiu
aimed to reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women. When I spoke to the young girls who were present in the room that day, I told them girls are one of the most powerful
forces for change in the world and that when their rights are recognized, their needs are met, and their voices are heard, young women and girls drive change
in their families, their communities, and the world. It remains my sincere belief that empowering young girls and women will ultimately result in a more empowered nation – and I
could see in their eyes the readiness to drive Lesotho forward. I encourage every Lesotho citizen to celebrate the progress we’ve made together. Let’s also work to eliminate the barriers
that would prevent equitable access to health services, including stigma and beliefs that alienate women and youth, LGBTQI+, or other vulnerable communities
from accessing critical care. In the years ahead, the United States will continue to work with the Government of Lesotho and local partners to improve public health.
In this regard, I am so pleased to announce Lesotho’s recent selection as a priority country under the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, which will
provide support for nutrition, early childhood development, and the country’s school feeding program. We remain committed to providing the resources and championing activities to address
ongoing public health threats and to prepare for future ones. I therefore wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who partnered with the United States to make this a reality. “Ho tsoa botebong ba pelo ea ka, ke ea leboha” (from the bottom of my heart, I thank you).
Economic
Growth Facing economic insecurity brought by the pandemic and looking toward post-COVID recovery, the United States is firmly committed to building even more robust
business and investment ties with Lesotho. We will continue to encourage Lesotho’s government leaders to develop an AGOA diversification strategy that sends more products to the United States and
creates more jobs locally. I am proud to carry back home many beautiful products made right here and I sincerely believe the phrase “Made in Lesotho” will be known favorably worldwide one day.
Simultaneously, we are dedicated to advancing private sector competitiveness and accelerating economic reforms to increase investment and jobs in Lesotho.
This includes values-based, climate-smart, and transparent models for infrastructure development such as the Ramarothole solar generation project in Mafeteng District.
This project, supported in part through a U. S. Trade and Development Agency grant, will provide long-standing benefits to local communities. It is also a demonstration of America’s
confidence in Lesotho, as Dr. Matt Orosz – a former Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho and OnePower’s CEO – is the project’s local partner and co-developer.
I am also excited about a potential second Millennium Challenge Corporation compact for Lesotho, which would benefit all citizens by strengthening healthcare
systems and services, increasing rural incomes through irrigation infrastructure and human capital development, and improving the business climate by empowering local businesses and improving financial services.
Partnership remains the critical requirement for weathering the turbulence created by this pandemic. Improving business and investment ties between our countries will not only move us forward economically but also lead
to progress on our other priorities for 2022 and beyond. It is in that same vein that I made the effort to connect with many phenomenal Basotho women – mothers, professionals, businesswomen, health care workers, and
others – committed to shifting the narrative on gender equality. I will never forget a special event where I sat down for tea with ten of the most phenomenal Basotho women, who are leading
in their respective industries from the legal profession to the arts to community activism. Not only were they successful women, but each one was passionate about women’s role in advancing society.
Because of them, I am confident women’s inclusion, as well as the inclusion of other minority groups in Lesotho, is central to achieving the vibrant Lesotho that all its citizens seek.
Good
Governance and Rule of Law As the country prepares for elections this year, we encourage its leaders to pass good legislation, conduct credible oversight, and deliver for the good of all the
people. I continue to urge all of Lesotho’s political leaders to focus on their people’s needs (including the marginalized and voiceless) and adhere to the fundamental principles of the
rule of law as enshrined in the constitution. As the popular Sesotho saying – and my motto during my entire tenure as Ambassador – goes, “motho ke motho ka
batho. ” We will continue working together to promote inclusive political participation, transparent and accountable governance, an enabling environment for civil society, respect for
freedom of expression, and an independent media — all of which are key to strengthening democratic institutions and defending human rights and fundamental
freedoms. During the recent Summit for Democracy, President Biden reminded us that promoting adherence to international democratic norms is not a zero-sum game.
The United States calls on all nations, including our own, to deliver on both international and domestic commitments that advance these goals, demonstrating the promise of democracy and delivering
real results that allow all people to lead lives of dignity, respect, and possibility. One of the last public events I hosted before the COVID-19 pandemic was a grant
signing ceremony where the U. S. government awarded more than 3.6 million Maloti in grants. These are important investments precisely because they supported Basotho-led efforts to address
issues ranging from barriers to accessing education to the lack of civil engagement. Through these grants, we have also bolstered local initiatives to promote rule of law, press freedom,
and diverse political party participation. It is my hope that these projects will continue to thrive and that the organizations will continue to strengthen democratic institutions by encouraging good governance, accountability, and transparency.
Criminal
Justice Reform, Trafficking, and Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation As we look forward, I also celebrate the historic recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation
between our two countries to enhance bilateral border security and criminal justice. This partnership facilitates cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and their U.
S. counterparts and will significantly advance Lesotho’s border security by providing the skills and equipment necessary to identify threats and aid in solving other
violent crimes. By jointly selecting strong candidates for prestigious U. S. exchange programs, scores of Lesotho police and security officers have attended trainings in the United States and
at International Law Enforcement Academy in Botswana since I arrived in Lesotho. We’ve made efforts to expand our relationship through programs such as the annual Security Sector Symposium, and
by creating anti-trafficking, national security strategy development, and anti-corruption trainings in 2022 and beyond. I’m delighted to announce the Diplomatic Security Service selected Lesotho to
participate in flagship capacity building program known as SPEAR. Being a SPEAR recipient nation will enhance Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) and Lesotho Mounted Police Service officers’ skills
and professionalism and improve response capabilities in crisis and emergency situations. I commend Lesotho for taking a bold decision to send troops to participate in the SADC Mission in
Mozambique to stabilize the Cabo Delgado Province. I also take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences on the loss of one of the soldiers who died from malaria in November as part of this mission Since my arrival, I have witnessed the
strides made by the LDF towards becoming a more professional force and I know this momentum can and will be maintained. Last November, I also hosted the first-ever bilateral trafficking in
persons dialogue between our countries, allowing U. S. officials, key government ministers, and other stakeholders to review Lesotho’s interim progress on these
critical efforts. As Lesotho’s leaders work to achieve demonstrable success on critical human trafficking concerns, the United States remains committed to supporting initiatives that further our
partnership. Combating human trafficking in Lesotho is a top priority for our team at the U. S. Embassy. We will continue our bilateral partnership with the government to abolish trafficking and avoid any potential assistance
restrictions. My dear friends, I am proud and deeply encouraged by all we have accomplished together during my tenure in Lesotho, and I will always be
grateful for the warm hospitality you have shown me over the past four years – Kea Leboha! I am honored by the Sesotho name given to me – ‘Mamafolo-folo, or mother of energy and action.
This rightly sums up our very fruitful partnership and the outpouring of energy and action we have created together to advance the health and prosperity of Lesotho citizens.
Lastly you may recall in my speech for my country’s recent Independence Day I said, “Basotho ke Sechaba sa ho behoa peo (Basotho are beautiful), ke tla lula ke le hopola.
” Indeed, I will always remember you and the beauty of the Mountain Kingdom. In turn,
I ask that you remember the United States will continue to be here, alongside you as a trusted friend and partner, as we have been for over half a century. United We Stand. Letšoele le beta poho.
Khotso, Pula, Nala.
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