Briefing de orientação Lesoto

O chefe supremo MOSHOESHOE I consolidou o que viria a ser a Basutolândia no início do século XIX e proclamou-se rei em 1822. As contínuas incursões de colonos neerlandeses vindos do vizinho Estado Livre de Orange levaram o rei a celebrar, em 1868, um acordo com o Reino Unido, em virtude do qual a Basutolândia passou a ser primeiro um protetorado britânico e, a partir de 1884, uma colónia da Coroa. Após a independência, em 1966, o país passou a designar-se Reino do Lesoto. O Partido Nacional Basotho governou o país durante as suas duas primeiras décadas. O rei MOSHOESHOE II foi exilado em 1990, regressou ao Lesoto em 1992, foi reintegrado no cargo em 1995 e, em 1996, foi sucedido pelo seu filho, o rei LETSIE III. O governo constitucional foi restabelecido em 1993, após sete anos de governo militar.

Em 1998, protestos violentos e um motim militar na sequência de eleições polémicas motivaram uma intervenção breve mas sangrenta de forças militares sul-africanas e botsuanas, sob a égide da Comunidade de Desenvolvimento da África Austral (SADC). As reformas constitucionais subsequentes restabeleceram uma estabilidade política relativa. As eleições legislativas de 2002 decorreram de forma pacífica, mas as eleições para a Assembleia Nacional de 2007 foram fortemente disputadas, e as partes lesadas contestaram a forma como os lugares foram atribuídos. Em 2012, eleições competitivas permitiram ao primeiro-ministro Motsoahae Thomas THABANE formar um governo de coligação — o primeiro na história do país — que afastou do poder o titular do cargo, Pakalitha MOSISILI, que se mantinha no poder há 14 anos e que transferiu pacificamente o poder no mês seguinte. MOSISILI regressou ao poder em eleições antecipadas realizadas em 2015, após o colapso do governo de coligação de THABANE e uma alegada tentativa de golpe militar. Em 2017, THABANE regressou ao cargo de primeiro-ministro, mas demitiu-se em 2020, depois de ser implicado no homicídio da sua ex-mulher, da qual estava separado. Foi sucedido por Moseketsi MAJORO. Em 2022, Ntsokoane Samuel MATEKANE tomou posse como primeiro-ministro e chefe de uma coligação tripartida.

There are occasional political demonstrations in Maseru. These are usually peaceful, but there is a risk of isolated incidents of violence. Move away from demonstrations or gatherings, particularly if you see the security forces are present. Lesotho successfully held elections in 2022 but has had a history which includes political-related violence in past decades.  

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Lesotho

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Lesotho, attacks cannot be ruled out.  

Political situation

There are occasional political demonstrations in Maseru. These are usually peaceful, but there is a risk of isolated incidents of violence. Move away from demonstrations or gatherings, particularly if you see the security forces are present. Lesotho successfully held elections in 2022 but has had a history which includes political-related violence in past decades.  

Crime

Much of the violent crime in Lesotho is gun crime between organised crime groups. However, foreigners are vulnerable to opportunistic street crime and vehicle crime.

Gender-based violence is very high in Lesotho. Most crimes based on gender are between people who already know each other, but violence towards women and girls happens in all areas of the country.

Mugging and violent vehicle crime

Muggers can target foreign nationals. Do not walk alone in isolated areas or after dark.

Armed carjackers or robbers may try to stop your car or get into it while you are stationary. The danger is greatest in urban areas. Do not stop your car if people try to flag you down and do not give lifts to strangers.

Keep doors locked, windows shut and valuables out of sight. If you are driving across the country:

• try to drive during daylight hours
• take care near border crossings and at road junctions
• be wary of road blocks that need you to stop or slow down

If you are caught up in an attack, do not offer any resistance.

Petty theft and burglary

Take precautions to safeguard your valuables and cash. Leave them in hotel safes, if possible. Keep copies of important documents, including your passport’s photo page and entry stamps, in a separate place.

There is often an increase in thefts, especially burglaries from villas, leading up to the Christmas and Easter holiday periods.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and your entry stamp. Officials may ask to see these.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession of drugs is a serious offence and punishments can be severe, including prison sentences.

LGBT+ travellers

Sexual activity between men is illegal, but FCDO is not aware of this being enforced. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Lesotho for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Driving standards and road conditions in Lesotho are poor. You should drive with caution.

Animals roaming on the roads are a hazard, especially at night.

Taxis and minibuses

Local minibus taxis (‘4+1s’) may be poorly maintained and uninsured. They often ignore road safety rules including speed limits. Avoid using them and steer clear of them when driving.

It’s safer to use transport arranged by your accommodation or by a tour operator.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical numbers

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

If 112 is not operating, call locally on 80093030121. 

You can also access emergency treatment across the border in South Africa. Mediclinic Bloemfontein is a 90-minute drive (140km) from Maseru and has private ambulances. 

Mediclinic: +27 51 404 6225

Ambulance: ER24 +27 102053588

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Lesotho
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Lesotho.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Lesotho. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Lesotho

Lesotho has basic medical facilities. Most foreign visitors use healthcare facilities in Bloemfontein, South Africa, a 90-minute drive from Maseru.

In Lesotho, Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital (+266 2231 3260) and Maseru Private Hospital (+266 2233 3600) are the main hospitals. Both are in the Maseru area. Outside of Maseru there are District hospitals in most of the Districts.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Lesotho where some staff will speak English.  

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.