Written question asked by Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 December 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 January 2023. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Thursday, 12 January 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Lesotho: Armed Forces

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will take steps to help support the authorities in Lesotho to bring about accountability for reported incidents of torture, unlawful killings and excessive use of force by members of the security forces.

Answer: The British High Commission in Maseru has strongly supported the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) facilitated National Reform Process (NRP) that includes security sector reform. The former Minister of Africa also pressed the importance of the NRP during her September 2021 visit. The High Commission has provided direct support to the NRP, including the funding of a Constitutional Law Expert to advise the Justice Ministry and National Reform Authority. Our High Commission has also raised specific allegations of excessive use of force by the security forces and the need for accountability and expedited investigations.

Secondary information