Moroke Sekoboto
UNITED States ambassador to Lesotho, Maria Brewer, says fostering better security relations between Lesotho and the US has been at the forefront of her mission.
Ms Brewer spoke this week during the handover of fingerprints kits to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) at police headquarters.
She said the US government was committed to capacitating Lesotho’s armed forces to ensure safety and protection of human rights.
Ms Brewer has, among other things, previously facilitated her country’s Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)’s visit to Lesotho to capacitate local law enforcement agencies with various skills.
“The US hosted the first fingerprints training programme for Lesotho in April 2022 to lay ground work for today’s occasion,” Ms Brewer said.
“In 2023, we continued to extend our efforts beyond the capital (Maseru) and actually reaching the community of Qacha’s Nek where I had the privilege to facilitate fingerprints training,” Ms Brewer said.
Ms Brewer said the kits symbolized more than just tools, but the US’s shared commitment to bolstering security and justice for Basotho.
“Today we once again affirm our dedication to this vital partnership as we hand over even more fingerprint kits provided by FBI. These kits will amplify the investigative capabilities of your police force…enabling swifter resolution of cases and further strengthening the rule of law in Lesotho.
“We must address challenges that transcend borders such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV). We have an obligation to stand united in combating these injustices by equipping our armed forces with the necessary tools and resources. We will empower them to protect and serve all the society especially those who are most vulnerable….,” she said.
For her part, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mahlape Morai, said the LMPS and US Embassy had a longstanding relationship and the donation of fingerprint kits reaffirmed their commitment towards shared principles.
“Today we celebrate the donation of fingerprints kits to further fortify our relationship. This remarkable session serves to reaffirm our commitment to principles that have governed both of us over the years. Principles that have brought Lesotho and US Embassy nothing but peace and security. We are delighted as the LMPS for the donation that will empower us,” DCP Morai said.
