Published date
References
Francis K. (1996), "Political Instability in Post-Military Lesotho: The Crisis of the Basotho Nation-state?1" from Institute for Security Studies [online] Available at www.iss.co.za [Accessed: 12 January 2011]|Anon, (2002), 'Europa World Year Book, Volume 2, Part 2' (Europa Publications) p2478|Pogrund, B (1996), OBITUARY: King Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho, 16 January, from the UK Independent, [online], Available at www.independent.co.uk [Accessed: 12 January 2011]
On 25 January 1995, King Moshoeshoe II was formally reinstated as King of Lesotho. Moshoeshoe had a turbulent reign over Lesotho as he was twice dethroned, first in the 1970s when he was exiled from Lesotho and in 1990 when he was stripped of constitutional powers and removed from the throne. The latter dethronement followed a coup by Major General Justin Lekhanya who then installed Moshoeshoe's son, king Letsie III. In attempt to bring political stability to Lesotho without negating the role of the king, presidents from South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe spearheaded diplomatic efforts to restore an elected government. Following their two-day visit to Lesotho in February 1994, President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe and Quett Masire of Botswana respectively, concluded that:
"the question of the monarchy appears to be a very important traditional question and one that goes to the very heart of the Basotho society and underlies its present problems..."
In September 1994 an agreement guaranteed by South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe was signed, providing for the restoration of the Lesotho monarchy and those involved in the military and 'royal coup'. After the passing of the of Reinstatement of Former King Act No. 10 of 1994, whose Section 2 (1) stated that "upon the abdication of His Majesty King Letsie III from the office of king of Lesotho, His Majesty Moshoeshoe II shall assume the office of King of Lesotho," Moshoeshoe II was reinstated as king.