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Lesotho’s opposition parties have reportedly pulled out from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) recommended reform process, demanding that the government sets aside the suspension of the country's chief justice.
According to the Lesotho Times, Chief justice Nthomeng Majara was suspended two weeks ago by Prime Minister Tom Thabane’s government after she was accused of inciting violence and threatening peace and stability in Lesotho.
Majara's suspension attracted international condemnation from judges, and rights groups, reported the SABC.
The government, however, said it stood by its decision.
The reforms were intended to lead to the amendment of the constitution and eventual stability, following years of political and security upheaval.
Lesotho plunged into a political crisis following a failed coup attempt in 2014, prompting regional intervention.
In March last year, the mountain kingdom again faced a fresh crisis after parliament passed a vote of no confidence on ex- prime minister Pakalithi Mosisili, said an AFP report.
This consequently paved way for a fresh vote that saw Thabane winning 48 out of 120 parliamentary seats 2 months later.
The SADC mediation facilitation team which was led by former deputy chief justice, Judge Dikgang Moseneke, was optimistic last month when all parties agreed to participate in the discussion, but it now seemed the process would be derailed, said SABC.
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