Lesotho Travel Security

Political instability has marred Lesotho since independence in 1966. Election results almost always have been contested, leading to a rash of coups and mutinies. Instability returned following the elections in February 2007, but in June 2007, a week-long curfew was imposed in the capital, Maseru, after attacks on the homes of several ministers and of the main opposition leader. The situation has since stabilized.

Crime is also an issue, and support systems for travelers are not well-developed, which is why the country's risk rating has been set at 5. Maintain security awareness at all times and avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations.

High-risk Areas

None.

The constitution provides for a modified form of constitutional monarchy. The king is the head of state and is considered to be a "living symbol of national unity" with no executive or legislative powers. The constitution provides for a bicameral parliament with a Senate and an Assembly. Since a 1998 uprising, the constitution has been modified to provide more representation for minority parties, and differences in political orientation between the major parties have blurred in recent years. The first election under the amended system, in May 2002, passed peacefully.

The Senate has 33 members, of which 22 are principal chiefs, and the prime minister appoints 11 others. The Assembly has 120 seats--80 are allocated by direct popular vote and 40 by proportional vote. In late 2006, 18 members of the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy party crossed the floor to the opposition party, the All Basotho Convention, in a mass defection late in 2006. This led to a general election in February 2007, in which Pakalitha Mosisil, the leader of the LCD, automatically became prime minister and head of government. The opposition, however, contested the results in several constituencies and rowed about the allocation of some seats by a proportional system--legal challenges are ongoing.

Lesotho's economy is based on agriculture, livestock, manufacturing and the earnings of laborers employed in South Africa. The country has a self-sufficient supply of electrical power, and its main natural resource is water, which it exports to South Africa. In recent years, the country has gone through an industrial revolution. A nation of cattle-herders and farmers was transformed by the global economy, and the country became the largest exporter in sub-Saharan Africa of garments to the U.S.

The textile industry is recovering following increased Chinese competition since the abolition of tariffs at the beginning of 2005. This contributed to a growth rate of 3% in 2006, helped also by increased mining activity, which looks set to expand further in 2007 and 2008. A more favorable environment for investment and continued devaluation of the local currency, the loti, is expected to boost the manufacturing sector in 2007-08.

In July 2007, the U.N. said that Lesotho needed urgent aid to help feed more than a third of its population after the country's crop was destroyed by a prolonged dry spell during the 2006-07 season. Stubbornly hot temperatures and a prolonged dry spell early in 2007 largely destroyed the country's maize and sorghum harvest, making it the worst drought in three decades.

Historical background

Lesotho gained independence from Britain in 1966. In a 1998 election, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy won 79 out of 80 seats in the Assembly and an overwhelming majority of the total votes. International observers, as well as a regional commission, declared the elections reflected the will of the people.

Nevertheless, many members of the opposition claimed electoral fraud and urged the king, who had staged a coup in 1994, to dissolve the newly elected parliament and install a government of national unity. Armed opposition protesters used violence to destabilize the government, disarm the police, intimidate workers and business owners, shut down government and business operations, and facilitate a rebellion of junior officers in the army. What followed amounted to a coup, marked by politically motivated killings, arson and general destruction. Before long, the South African army intervened to quell the uprising.

Border and regional issues

Lesotho's geographic location (surrounded entirely by South Africa) makes it extremely vulnerable to political and economic developments in South Africa, so pay attention to media that report on both countries.

Civil unrest

In between periods of peace, serious bouts of instability can erupt, usually connected to elections. The country was brought to a standstill for several days in March 2007 by an opposition-led work boycott, and post-election tensions continue to flare. In July 2007, police charged five men, including three members of the defense forces, with treason in connection with the June 2007 attacks on leading politicians.

In January 2006, unidentified gunmen fired on and wounded the foreign minister as he arrived at his residence after the governing LCD party wrapped up its annual conference. Local media suggested the shooting was linked to tension within the party concerning who will succeed Pakalitha Mosisili if he steps down in 2008. The injured minister has been tipped as a possible successor.

Human-rights abuses

The government generally respects the human rights of its residents; however, there have been unconfirmed allegations of torture by the security forces and credible reports that the police, at times, have used excessive force against detainees.

Additional information

Homosexuality is against the law in Lesotho, and though enforcement can be lax, public displays of same-sex affection should be avoided.

The level of crime in Lesotho is lower than that of neighboring South Africa, but it still remains a critical problem. High unemployment, aggravated by the return of large numbers of unemployed miners from South Africa, has contributed to a general rise of violent crime. Note that use of firearms, including assault rifles, in the commission of crimes is not uncommon.

Violent crime

Muggers often target foreign nationals in central Maseru, frequently at knifepoint, even in daylight. Remain vigilant at all times, carry only essentials and don't walk around town after dark (especially alone). There has been an increasing number of armed robberies, break-ins and carjackings, sometimes involving firearms. These occur mostly in the capital city, but instances have been reported elsewhere.

In Maseru, exercise particular caution in the area between downtown and hotels; avoid moving outside the grounds of your hotel on foot. When driving in urban areas, especially Maseru, keep doors locked, windows shut and valuables out of sight. Be vigilant when stopping at traffic lights; park only in well-lit areas.

In rural areas, avoid driving at night and stopping by the side of the road (even at scenic points), especially near the Malalea holiday lodge, where a European recently was robbed and murdered on the northern access road to Katse Dam, and in the Highlands area.

In cities where armed robbery is a problem, keep valuables in hotel safes when available. Avoid displays of affluence, such as wearing obviously expensive jewelry or designer clothing. Keep cell phones and other electronic devices hidden from view. Carry only the cash or credit cards that will be needed on each outing. Avoid deserted, remote or poorly lit areas. If the worst happens and you are accosted, most authorities advise cooperating with the robbers--resisting can provoke a violent response.

To reduce the risk of carjacking, avoid driving alone, especially at night. Keep an eye on persons and vehicles in the vicinity of your vehicle at all times, particularly when stopped at intersections or crosswalks. When driving, try to stay near the center lanes when possible. Always try to leave sufficient maneuvering room between your car and the cars beside and in front of you, especially when stopping in traffic. Check your rear-view mirror regularly to ensure you are not being followed. If you are, do not return to your hotel/residence. Proceed instead to a public place such as the front of a hotel or a police station; get out of the vehicle and seek assistance. Keep your windows rolled up and doors locked at all times. If you encounter a roadblock that does not appear to be manned by uniformed police or you notice a disturbance on the road ahead, turn around and use an alternate route. To minimize the chance of being trapped by a car pulling up behind you, do not pull into a driveway. Be prepared to drive away if you notice persons approaching your vehicle. Plan before you start your trip where you will go to seek assistance if a car attempts to block you or if you are prevented from reaching your destination.

Drug-related crime

Drug offenses can carry stiff penalties.

Police effectiveness

Lack of resources, equipment, personnel and training plague police forces, so response is limited or nonexistent.

In common with much of southern Africa, Lesotho regularly experiences severe drought, although weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions. Violent storms occur in summer (November-February) and result in several deaths yearly. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Lesotho suffers from a lack of health-care infrastructure.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Lesotho are minimal, and many medications are unavailable.

Emergency care

There is no reliable ambulance service. For serious illness or injury, it's probably best to make the 90-minute drive to Bloemfontein, South Africa (90 mi/145 km west of Maseru).

Diseases

Dysentery is a problem in Lesotho, so drink only bottled water.

Waterborne diseases can cause a variety of serious health problems, including cholera, norovirus and amebiasis. In areas where chlorinated water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are generally poor, you should consider both liquid water and ice unsafe. Stick to the following, which generally are considered safe: Beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee; canned or bottled carbonated beverages; beer; and wine. It's usually safer to drink beverages directly from the bottle or can, but be sure to wipe off any water on the outside of the container. In areas where water may be contaminated, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Travel in Lesotho can be hazardous. Driving standards are poor. Roadside assistance is limited, but help often is offered in the event of an accident. Lesotho has a high number of traffic-related deaths and injuries, given its small size--even the previous king died in a road accident in 1996. Driving after dark is dangerous because of animals straying onto roads and the absence of street lighting.

Road conditions

Good roads link all South Africa/Lesotho border crossings and most district capitals. Secondary gravel roads best suited to four-wheel-drive vehicles link rural communities. Many rural areas, particularly in the mountainous regions of the country, can be reached only by basic dirt roads or on horseback.

Public transportation

There is no effective public transport system or reliable taxi service, and the local minibus taxis are not well-maintained. There is no passenger rail service.

Lesotho has limited facilities for travelers and an underdeveloped infrastructure.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.