Author: Eamon Donovan

What a powerful moment in diplomacy. The presentation of credentials by Her Excellency Nts’ebo Moshoeshoe to the Irish President Michael D. Higgins yesterday the 9th September 2025 marked not just a ceremonial gesture, but a strategic pivot toward deeper collaboration between Lesotho and Ireland.
Below is a breakdown of the key highlights from this milestone:

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• Diplomatic Significance: This event formalises Ambassador Moshoeshoe’s role and signals Lesotho’s commitment to expanding its global footprint, especially in Ireland and Europe.
• Cultural and Development Exchange: Both nations have a history of cooperation, particularly in development aid and education. This renewed engagement could amplify cultural programs and mutual understanding.

Health Collaboration

• HIV Eradication Focus: The private meeting with President Michael D. Higgins emphasized a shared commitment to tackling HIV, a critical issue which sometimes is ignored with a believe that it’s been eradicated. Ireland’s experience in global health initiatives could be a valuable asset in supporting Lesotho’s public health strategies.

Green Energy & Trade

• Sustainable Development: Discussions around green energy suggests potential partnerships in renewable technologies, which could benefit Lesotho’s energy infrastructure and Ireland’s innovation sector.
• Private Sector Development: By involving both governments and private enterprises, the dialogue opens doors for investment, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Economic Challenges & Strategic Unity

• Tariff Impact: The president’s remarks on tariffs highlight a shared economic strain. His call to “use the full spectrum of economic tools” suggests a proactive stance—possibly involving trade negotiations, joint ventures, or regional alliances.

IMPORTANCE OF REGISTRATION.

Access to Services

• Consular Assistance: Registered members can receive timely updates and assistance regarding consular services, such as passport renewals, visa applications, and emergency support.
• Information on Legal Rights: Being registered can help the embassy provide information about the legal rights and protections available to citizens abroad.

 Emergency Support

• Crisis Notification: In case of natural disasters, political unrest, or emergencies, the embassy can quickly reach registered individuals to provide crucial information and assistance.
• Evacuation Plans: Registration helps the embassy plan and execute evacuation procedures if necessary.

 Community Engagement

• Networking Opportunities: Registration can facilitate connections among diaspora members, fostering a sense of community and support.
• Cultural Events: Registered individuals are often invited to participate in cultural events, celebrations, and programs organized by the embassy.

 Participation in Policy Development

• Voice and Representation: By registering, diaspora members can express their concerns and priorities, influencing policies that impact their communities.
• Feedback Mechanism: This will allow the embassy to gather feedback on the needs and issues faced by the diaspora.

 Enhanced Security

• Safety Records: Registration helps embassies maintain accurate records of their citizens, which can be crucial for security and safety measures.

 Resource Availability

• Access to Resources: Registered individuals may gain access to resources such as job opportunities, educational programs, and community services offered by the embassy or partner organizations.

On the 3rd of July, 2018, Mr. Sekhulumi Paul Ntsoaole presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Ireland H.E. Michael D. Higgins, accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Lesotho to Ireland.

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Hon. Lesego Makgothi came to Ireland on a working visit in May, 2018. The Honourable Minister became the Guest of Honour during Africa Day celebrations. During his visit to Ireland, Honourable Makgothi went to Fingal where he had a meeting with the senior officers in the Fingal County Council, the Mayor and the Action Ireland Trust Directors. The epitome of this visit was a meeting with the Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development and an Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr. Simon Coveney. Honourbale Makgothi was accompnaied in this visit by the DPS Mr. Thabang Lekhela, the Counsellor in the Directorate of Europe and Americas Mrs ‘Mamatebele Semakale.

A group of about 90 Irish people, including 42 students from Portmarnock Community School in Fingal County Dublin will visit Lesotho, arriving on Saturday February 11^th. The team also has professional experts in various areas, who will spend two weeks in Lesotho volunteering in several community support projects, mainly in the Ha Hlalele community on the south-western area of Maseru districts.

The students and teachers from Portmarnock Community School will spend time with their counterparts at their partner school – Hlalele High School – exchanging tips on teaching and learning, also in construction works around the school and its nearby primary schools. The ground work for the construction and establishment of an early-childhood development centre for the Hlalele community will also be commenced during this visit.

Volunteer health professionals from Ireland will conduct a medical clinic for the Hlalele Community during their stay in Lesotho.

Among many activities that the Action Ireland Trust team will be a visit to St Angela Cheshire Home for people with disabilities in Maseru. Other work in support of education development will extend a far as Leribe and Botha-Bothe.

Before their return to Ireland on Saturday 25^th February, the touring party will visit tourist attraction in Lesotho such as Malealea Pony Trekking and Ha Kome Caves.  

Lesotho Embassy Dublin
10 February 2017

The 4th October 2016 marks the 50th year that the Kingdom of Lesotho has been self-governing as an Independent state after it was under British protection and rule for 98 years from 12 March 1868. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho in Dublin, Ireland – also accredited to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – joins the rest of Basotho – the people of Lesotho – in celebrating the golden jubilee of the independence of our country. 

The Embassy is hosting a diplomatic reception at the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin to Mark this occassion on the evening of October 4th, 2016. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho, In collaboration with Portmarnock Community School, Action Ireland Trust, Fingal County Council and friends and nationals of Lesotho will host a Photographic Exhibition at the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links in Portmarnock, Fingal, Co. Dublin on Wednesday 5th October 2016. 

HAPPY 50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY TO BASOTHO AND FRIENDS OF LESOTHO IN IRELAND, DENMARK, FINLAND, ICELAND, NORWAY, SWEDEN AND ALL OVER THE WORLD.

For more information on events in Lesotho to mark this momentus occassion, check the Government of Lesotho portal here.

The Lesotho Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs Honourable Dr Pontšo ’Matumelo Sekatle MP completed her visit to Ireland where she was a guest of the Fingal County Council from 19 to 23 June 2016.

Minister Sekatle was in Ireland to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Fingal County Council to extend an ongoing partnership with her Ministry, for a further two years. The MOU was signed by Minister Sekatle for the Government of Lesotho while the outgoing Mayor Cllr David O’Connor, signed on behalf of the Fingal County Council on Tuesday 21 June 2016. The agreement covers areas of strategic cooperation including: capacity building in spatial planning through training and exchange of experts; supporting the newly established Planning Institute of Lesotho; collaboration in land surveying, mapping and land valuation; and support for continuing education of Lesotho spatial planners in collaboration with the Dublin Institute of Technology and the National University of Lesotho.

During her visit the Lesotho Minister also met with the Irish Minister of State for the Diaspora and Overseas Development Mr. Joe McHugh TD, Member of Parliament for Dublin Fingal Deputy Alan Farrell TD, Senator Dr James Reilly and local Councillors including newly elected Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Darragh Butler.

Honourable Minister Dr Pontšo Sekatle visited several places of interest in Dublin including the Dublin Institute of Technology, Fáilte Ireland, Portmarnock Community School, Malahide Castle & Gardens, the Estuary Recycling Centre and the Guinness Townhouse, before returning to Lesotho. The Minister was accompanied by the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs Mrs. ’Mapitso Panyane, the Commissioner of Lands Ms. Relebohile Lebeta and Professor Clement Leduka from the National University of Lesotho.

28 June 2016
Lesotho Embassy Dublin

In a quest to maintain the existing fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Norway, the Government of Lesotho has appointed Mr. Trond Filberg as the new Honorary Consul of Lesotho in Oslo with a consular jurisdiction throughout Norway. He succeeds Mr. Jens Stranheim who retired in 2010 after serving in this position for almost ten years.

Mr. Filberg’s allegiance and passion for Lesotho developed many years ago following his interaction with the country in different official capacities. He was later nominated as the Chairman of the Friends of Lesotho in Norway (FLAN).

The new Consulate address is:

Hovstien 10, N-3490 Klokkarstua, Norway

The Embassy is looking forward to supporting and working closely with Mr. Filberg during his tenure of office.

03 September 2015
Norway

His Majesty King Letsie III, acting with the advice of the Prime Minister The Right Honourable Dr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili, appointed Lesotho’s 9th Cabinet at the Royal Palace yesterday. The new Cabinet Members come from all the seven political parties which formed a coalition government following the 28 February 2015 general elections. This is how the new Cabinet looks like:

1. Prime Minister – The Right Honourable Dr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili
2. Deputy Prime Minister – Hon. Mothetjoa Metsing
3. Minister of Home Affairs – Hon. Adv. Lekhetho Rakuoane
4. Min. of Justice, Human Rights and Correctional Services – Hon. Moeketse V. Malebo
5. Minister of Labour & Employment – Hon. Adv. Thulo Mahlakeng
6. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office – Hon. Kimetso Mathaba
7. Minister of Social Development – Hon. Molahlehi Letlotlo
8. Minister of Police and Public Safety – Hon. Monyane Moleleki
9. Minister of Finance – Hon. Dr. ‘Mamphono Khaketla
10. Minister of Local Government Chieftainship Affairs – Hon. Dr. Pontšo Susan ‘Matumelo Sekatle
11. Minister of Water Affairs – Hon. Ralechate ‘Mokose
12. Minister of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation – Hon. Kabelo Mafura
13. Minister of Energy – Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane
14. Minister of Defence and National Security – Hon. Tšeliso Mokhosi
15. Minister of Public Works and Transport – Hon. Tšoeu Mokeretla
16. Minister of Public Service – Hon. Tsukutlane Au
17. Minister of Development Planning – Hon. Mokoto Hloaele
18. Minister of Law and Constitutional Affairs – Hon. Motlalentoa Letsosa
19. Minister of Communications, Science and Technology – Hon. Khotso Letsatsi
20. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture – Hon. Likeleli Tampane
21. Minister of Gender, Youth and Sports – Hon. Mathibeli Mokhothu
22. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations – Hon. Tlohang Sekhamane
23. Minister of Small Business Development Cooperatives & Marketing – Hon. Thabiso Lits’iba
24. Minister of Education and Training – Hon. Dr. Mahali Phamotse
25. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security – Hon. ‘Mapalesa Mothokho
26. Minster of Health – Hon. Dr. ‘Molotsi Monyamane
27. Minister of Trade and Industry – Hon. Joshua Setipa
28. Minister of Mining – Hon. Lebohang Thotanyana

Deputy Ministers

1. Deputy Minister of Health – Hon. Liteboho Kompi 
2. Deputy Minister of Local Government – Hon Kotiti Diholo
3. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs – Hon Phallang Monare
4. Deputy Minister of Education & Training – Hon Thabang Kholumo 
5. Deputy Minister of Gender, Youth & Sports – Hon ‘Marefuoe ‘Muso 
6. Deputy Minister of Agriculture & Food Security – Hon Dr. ‘Mamosa Molapo
7. Deputy Minister of Public Works & Transport – Hon Mokhele Moletsane

31 March, 2015

Following National Assembly Elections held on the 28^th February 2015, the Right Honourable Dr. Pakalitha Bethuel Mosisili was on Tuesday 17th March, inaugurated as Lesotho’s new Prime Minister in an auspicious ceremony that was held in the Lesotho capital, Maseru. This followed a Coaltion agreement between his Political Party the Democratic Congress with six other parties to form a Government after no party had won an out-right majority in ninth Parliament of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Dr. Mosisili was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Lesotho in the presence of King Letsie III and dignitaries from SADC member states, in particular the President of South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Jacob Zuma. The Out-going Prime Minister Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane officially handed over the reigns of Government Power to his successor in this occassion.

In his inaugural speech, the Prime Minister alluted to the need for the Government to unite the people of Lesotho in a common goal of peace, stability, and development, and to prioritise national interest ahead of individual or party-political interests.

The Prime Minister is expected to announce the Cabinet of Ministers of His Majesty’s Government in due course.

20 March 2015