Own Correspondent|Lesotho is to swear-in a new Prime Minister on May 22 after the incumbent, Thomas Thabane’s coalition collapsed in parliament on Monday
Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s coalition collapsed in parliament on Monday, leaving him without enough seats to continue governing, the speaker said, adding that Thabane must leave office by May 22 (Reuters)The implication of the coalition collapse means that the embattled Thomas Thabane is now governing without enough seats, The speaker said Thabane must now leave office by May 22.
“We have verified that the four-party coalition agreement has been terminated and there is a formation of a new government,” National Assembly Speaker Sephiri Motanyane announced in parliament.
Thomas Thabane’s ex wife, Lipolelo Thabane was shot dead in 2017Sam Rapapa, the deputy chairman of Thabane’s All Basotho Convention (ABC) party, said all parties had provisionally agreed on Finance Minister Moeketsi Majoro will replace Thabane.
“Thabane is now a caretaker Prime Minister until 22 May when a new Prime Minister is sworn in,” Rapapa said.
Thabane has been under pressure to resign over suspicions he was involved in the killing of his estranged wife in 2017.
His current wife has been charged. Both deny any involvement in the murder.
Gunmen shot and killed Mr Thabane’s then-wife Lipolelo Thabane on 14 June 2017.
Officials charged Mr Thabane’s current wife Maesaiah with the murder this year, and also named Mr Thabane as a suspect – although he has not yet been formally charged.
Thabane appeared in court in February, where his lawyer argued that his position granted him immunity from prosecution.