Pascalinah Kabi
THE Lesotho Students Union (LSU) has written to King Letsie III and the Prime Minister, Thomas Thabane, requesting a national prayer day for peace, stability and economic growth.
The letter was also copied to the Christian Council of Lesotho.
The LSU said it was increasingly worried by events in the country including ritual murders, the high HIV/AIDS prevalence, gender-based violence as well as political and security issues which threatened peace, stability and economic growth.
The prayer request comes against the background of the assassination of army commander Lieutenant General Khoantle Motšomotšo a fortnight ago, allegedly by two senior officers – Brigadier Bulane Sechele and Colonel Tefo Hashatsi at his Ratjomose Barracks offices.
Brigadier Sechele and Colonel Hashatsi were also killed allegedly by Lt Gen Motsomotso’s bodyguards during a shoot-out which took place shortly after the latter was gunned down.
The regional bloc has since approved Lesotho’s request for the deployment of regional military security experts to assist government and the Lesotho Defence Force in managing the security crisis.
The mission will reportedly cost SADC over M89 million.
In light with these developments, LSU President, Tšakholo Motake, said the country was increasingly taking a wrong turn deviating from the principles of peace and mutual coexistence championed by the founder of the Basotho nation, King Moshoeshoe I.
“As students and members of society, we are very much aware that there is no peace, stability, bright future and economic growth and there is a loss of reputation for Basotho and Lesotho,” Mr Motake said.
He said even though government, civil society organisations and development partners were working hard to restore have peace and stability, the union believed it was time for the nation to introspect and seek spiritual intervention as stated in the biblical book of II Chronicles chapter 7 verse 14.
The scripture states that: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn their wicked ways then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Mr Motake said it was on the basis of that scripture that they had requested King Letsie III and his government to convene a national prayer for peace, stability and economic growth.
“We think a mass prayer during the week will show sacrificial commitment and that God Himself will hear us, forgive us and end all our sufferings as a nation.
“We strongly believe that if the Christian Council of Lesotho can provide spiritual teachings, Basotho will understand that we need to pray for the deliverance of this country,” he said.
He pleaded with the nation to attend the mass prayer once government approved their request.
