Lesotho PM Elected to Lead Southern Africa’s Security Body

October 24, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has been elected incoming chairperson of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, giving the country a leadership role in regional efforts to promote peace and stability.

Matekane was elected during a virtual extraordinary summit of SADC, according to a statement from Lesotho’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

The ministry described the election as an opportunity for Lesotho to contribute to implementing the objectives of the SADC Treaty and the regional bloc’s protocol on politics, defence and security cooperation.

The security organ is responsible for coordinating cooperation among member states on political and security issues, with the aim of maintaining a peaceful, secure and stable region.

The appointment follows the 45th SADC Summit, held in Madagascar in 2025, at which Lesotho was removed from the regional organisation’s Organ Troika watch list and security agenda, according to the ministry.

The latest development marks a change in Lesotho’s position within the regional security structure, from being subject to monitoring under the Troika framework to taking on a leadership role in the organ.

Established in 1980, SADC is a regional organisation that promotes economic integration, sustainable growth and socio-economic development among its member states. Its objectives also include strengthening cooperation, promoting good governance and maintaining regional peace and security.

Source: FSX Business News