Secretary-General Condemns Killing of Former Lesotho Military Commander

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the killing of Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, former Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force, on 25 June near Maseru.  The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the bereaved family and urges the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Secretary-General reiterates the urgent need to move forward with institutional and security reforms as outlined in the Government’s Coalition Agreement for Stability and Reform and recommended by the Southern African Development Community.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the continued commitment of the United Nations to support the efforts of the Government and the people of Lesotho to consolidate peace in the Kingdom.