…pledges support for border, food and health
Moroke Sekoboto
THE United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lesotho through strengthened cooperation aimed at advancing peace, enhancing stability, and addressing evolving regional security challenges.
Speaking at a press conference held at the American Corner in Maseru yesterday, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) Deputy Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Robert Scott, said his visit was intended to strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two countries and deepen security cooperation with the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).
“I think to put it most simply, friends visit friends, right? As pointed out, the United States and Lesotho have had relations since Lesotho’s independence. My visit here is just a continuation of a relationship that is important to the United States.
“We want to talk to each other to identify specific areas where we can continue to cooperate and expand that cooperation in our partnership,” Mr Scott said.
During his visit, Mr Scott met with senior LDF officers and the Minister of Law and Justice, Richard Ramoeletsi, to discuss issues of mutual interest.
“It’s been a good series of meetings. We had an opportunity to meet with the Minister of Law and Justice earlier today and spoke about several areas which are of interest to your country and of interest to my country,” he said.
Mr Scott said discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas including border security, health security and food security.
“I think addressing issues such as border security — we all know that security is a very broad concept; it’s not just military. It can be health security because health security is important, food security is important, and border security is important.
“When talking about that, we’re looking at ways in which the US and Lesotho can cooperate,” Mr Scott said.
Another priority discussed was cooperation in combating the trafficking and production of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine.
Mr Scott said methamphetamine had spread into countries such as Nigeria and South Africa despite initially being manufactured in South America.
“It might involve exploring how drones can be used to help the country control its borders.
“We also discussed with the Minister of Law and Justice the threats we all face from illegal drugs, narcotics, and those who transport or manufacture them in our countries.
“That’s a joint area where we can exchange intelligence and best practices on how to address these threats.
“We also spoke about US investments. Some US companies have recently been coming into Lesotho to invest and, naturally, every company considers security before making investment decisions,” he said.
US Embassy in Maseru Chargé d’Affaires (CDA), Thomas Haines, said Mr Scott had built a distinguished diplomatic career, including serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State covering Southern Africa and Peace and Security Affairs, Deputy Chief of Mission in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, and Deputy Office Director for West African Affairs.
Mr Haines said Mr Scott’s extensive experience in Africa had given him a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the continent.
He said AFRICOM worked with African partners to counter transnational threats, strengthen security institutions, and respond to crises in order to promote security, stability and prosperity.
“As Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Scott plays a critical role in advancing partnerships, providing policy guidance, and overseeing security cooperation and assistance programmes that support our shared goals.
“We are excited that Ambassador Scott is visiting Lesotho to further strengthen our close and productive relationship and deepen our security cooperation with the Lesotho Defence Force,” Mr Haines said.
Mr Haines added that the partnership between the United States and Lesotho was built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to promoting peace, security and economic opportunity.
“In my almost two years in Lesotho, I have seen firsthand how closely our militaries work together to build capabilities, enhance professionalism and improve readiness to respond to security, transnational and humanitarian challenges,” he said.
He said through training exchanges, professional military education and cooperation on regional security priorities, the partnership had continued to grow stronger and more effective.
Beyond security cooperation, Mr Haines said the US remained committed to supporting Lesotho’s broader development goals.
“We recognise that lasting stability is strengthened by investments in health, education, economic growth and opportunities for young people.
“Our partnership is founded on improving lives and strengthening institutions.
“Ambassador Scott’s visit is an important opportunity to engage with the government leaders, the Lesotho Defence Force and other stakeholders as we continue building on the strong foundation of friendship that has characterised US-Lesotho relations for six decades,” he said.
Also speaking at the conference, Defence Attaché and Senior Defence Official for South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho, Captain Michele Lowe, said the US military had worked closely with the LDF to identify areas of cooperation that extended beyond active military service.
Capt Lowe said one such initiative involved supporting the LDF in establishing a care programme for personnel returning from the SADC Mission in Mozambique to help them reintegrate with their families and civilian life.
“I am very proud of what the US military has been able to accomplish within the LDF in my short time here.
“We have conducted several military-to-military engagements involving civil affairs and peacekeeping.
“We also carried out an important three-week deployment during which US military personnel provided training to the LDF.
“We see great opportunities for the future between our two militaries and look forward to continuing to grow that partnership,” Capt Lowe said.
