Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane to step down in July 2020
Lesotho’s Prime Minister Thomas Thabane announced his intention to retire in July or earlier on the grounds of old age. The 80 year old Thomas Thabane whose term in office is due to end in 2022 revealed his early retirement plan. His demand for immunity from prosecution after he steps down was torn apart by his ruling party All Basotho Convection (ABC).
Prime Minister Thomas Thabane murder case
Prime Minister Thomas Thabane is allegedly involved in the 2017 murder of his estranged wife Lipolelo Thabane, a case that shocked the whole of Lesotho. Both ruling part and opposition members have been pushing for Thabane’s ouster over the murder allegations.
Thomas Thabane and his late wife have been going through a bitter divorce when she was assassinated just outside her home in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. This assassination was executed two days before her husband’s inauguration in 2017.
Incriminating phone call communication evidence linking the prime minister was found on the crime scene leading to calls for his immediate resignation.
The prime minister’s current wife Maesaiah Thabane, whom he married two months after Lipolelo’s death, is deemed a co-conspirator in the murder case. She has already been charged with murder and is out on bail.
Lesotho’s Prime Minister Thomas Thabane addressed the nation on Thursday of his retirement but didn’t specify the actual date.
“I wish to once again reaffirm my decision to retire as prime minister. I have always been consistent that it is my wish to retire from office by the 31st of July, 2020, or earlier… if all the necessary conditions for my retirement are put in place,” he said.
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Prime Minister Thomas Thabane attributed his decisions to step down before term lapses to old age. He affirmed that the retirement is voluntary because he was no longer energetic.
“The government and the political party that I lead will coordinate the process of my retirement,” he assured.
Prime Minister Thomas Thabane to step down. Should Lesotho offer him immunity from prosecution?