The first President of Lesotho was Moshoeshoe II. Born on May 2, 1938, in Morija, Lesotho, Moshoeshoe II was the son of King Letsie III and Queen Lesiamo. He belonged to the Basotho ethnic group, the predominant ethnic group in Lesotho.
Moshoeshoe II received his education in Lesotho and the United Kingdom. He studied at the University of Cambridge, where he earned a law degree. Upon his return to Lesotho, he served as Minister of Justice and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the government of his father, King Letsie III.
- Moshoeshoe II was a respected and influential figure in Lesotho before becoming President. He was known for his intelligence, diplomacy, and commitment to the welfare of his people.
- He played a key role in Lesotho’s independence negotiations with the United Kingdom and was instrumental in drafting the country’s constitution.
- He was a strong advocate for human rights and social justice, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people.
Moshoeshoe II was elected as the first President of Lesotho in 1970, following the country’s independence from the United Kingdom. He served as President until 1990, when he was deposed in a military coup led by Justin Lekhanya.
During his tenure as President, Moshoeshoe II oversaw the development of Lesotho’s economy and infrastructure. He also worked to promote peace and stability in the region, and he played a key role in the establishment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Moshoeshoe II was a popular and respected leader, and he is remembered for his dedication to his people and his commitment to their well-being. He died in exile in London on January 15, 1996, at the age of 57.
- Moshoeshoe II was a fluent speaker of both English and Sesotho.
- He was an accomplished sportsman and enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and rugby.
- He was a devoted family man and had six children with his wife, Queen Mamohato.
Emblem of Lesotho
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Lebanon, Latvia and Laos. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Lesotho President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Lesotho’s History
Lesotho, a small landlocked country in southern Africa, has gone through various political transitions since its independence in 1966. Over the years, several presidents have played significant roles in shaping the nation’s history and governance. Here are 10 popular presidents from Lesotho:
- Moshoeshoe II (1966-1990)
- Leabua Jonathan (1966-1986)
- Ntsu Mokhehle (1994-1998)
- Samuel Lekhanya (1986-1991)
- Pakalitha Mosisili (1998-2012, 2015-2017)
- Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili (1998-2012, 2015-2017)
- Tom Thabane (2012-2015, 2017-2020)
- Monyane Moleleki (2020-present)
- Joseph Ramos-Horta (2004-2006)
- Jacob Zuma (acting president in 2017)
1. Moshoeshoe II: He was the first paramount chief of Lesotho and served as the country’s constitutional monarch from 1966 until his exile in 1990.
2. Leabua Jonathan: As Prime Minister of Lesotho from 1965 to 1986, he established a one-party state and faced opposition from political rivals.
3. Ntsu Mokhehle: He founded and led the Basotho Congress Party (BCP), which won the 1993 elections and made him the Prime Minister until 1998.
4. Samuel Lekhanya: He overthrew Leabua Jonathan’s government in a 1986 coup and served as the Head of State until 1991.
5. Pakalitha Mosisili: He held the position of Prime Minister for multiple terms, including from 1998 to 2012 and 2015 to 2017, leading the Democratic Congress (DC) party.
6. Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili: He is the same person as Pakalitha Mosisili and served as Prime Minister, leading the DC party during his tenure.
7. Tom Thabane: He served as Prime Minister from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2017 to 2020, representing the All Basotho Convention (ABC) party.
8. Monyane Moleleki: The current Deputy Prime Minister of Lesotho, he assumed the presidency in 2020 following Thabane’s resignation.
9. Joseph Ramos-Horta: Although not native to Lesotho, he briefly held the position of President of the Transitional Authority in 2004-2006.
10. Jacob Zuma: The former President of South Africa, Zuma acted as Lesotho’s President in 2017 through the Southern African Development Community intervention.
These are just a few of the many leaders who have shaped Lesotho’s political landscape. The contributions and legacies of these presidents have had a profound impact on the country’s development and governance.
