The Commonwealth has been working with Lesotho to bolster the kingdom's mounted police force, a key step towards ensuring peace and stability, and achieving economic development goals.
As part of this ongoing support, a Secretariat team visited Lesotho from 23 June - 5th July 2025 to conduct a needs assessment for the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) - a vital part of Lesotho's broader reform process.
Retired police officers from across the Commonwealth are involved in the project, drawing on 60 years of combined experience with their respective forces.
Mr David Mosestse from Botswana and Mr Cleon March from Jamaica joined local consultant Mr Bernard Ntaote, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police in Lesotho who has a wealth of knowledge about both the history and challenges facing the force.
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During the visit, the team conducted extensive consultations, which included assessing the situation in Maseru, Leribe, Mafeteng, and Butha Buthe, and engaging key stakeholders such as the Ministries of Local Government, Chieftainship and Home Affairs, Commissioner of Police, Community Policing Committees, traditional leaders, representatives of tertiary institutions, former police personnel and LMPS leadership.
The assessment aims to enhance the capacity of the LMPS to provide effective, professional, and accountable policing for the people of Lesotho.
The Secretariat team was led by Abiola Sunmonu, Adviser and Head of the Africa Regional Desk at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
She said:
“The Commonwealth's support for Lesotho's police reform is a testament to our shared commitment to building an effective, accountable, and professional force in the country. Together, we are working towards a safer, more stable, and prosperous future for all Basotho, a shining example of our commitment to helping member states achieve their development goals and build institutions that are accountable to the people."
Prime Minister, HE Sam Metakene met the consultants and acknowledged the Commonwealth's support in strengthening the country’s governance institutions, emphasising the necessity of a police force capable of maintaining peace and stability and tackling issues such as violence, corruption, and transnational crimes.
The findings from the needs assessment will enable the LMPS to identify international benchmarking standards to enhance its capacity for a more robust and agile police force.
Media contact
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Temitope Kalejaiye, Public Relations and Engagement Officer, Commonwealth Secretariat
