(Commonwealth)_ The Commonwealth has spearheaded Lesotho police reform in the Kingdom of Lesotho to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). The project forms part of the larger initiative to promote peace, good governance, and sustainable economic development in the country.
The Commonwealth Secretariat carried out a needs assessment visit to Lesotho between 23 June and 5 July 2025. The mission had the aim of examining the capacity of the LMPS at the time and providing advice on how to develop a better, more responsible, and people-focused police service. The visit is part of the aspiration of the Commonwealth to build institutions in member states.
The review is also part of Lesotho’s wider reform process in the sense that it wants to establish more responsive public service delivery and better democratic governance. Focusing on the role that a responsive, stable police can play in national development, the Commonwealth, in partnership with Lesotho stakeholders, is assisting the implementation of evidence-based and sustainable reform.
Evaluators used during the mission were experienced, retired senior police officers of the member states of the Commonwealth, with cumulatively over half a century of service as members. Foreign experts who took part in the mission were Mr David Mosestse from Botswana and Mr Cleon March from Jamaica. They were also joined by Mr Bernard Ntaote, resident adviser and one-time Deputy Commissioner of Police in Lesotho, who also gave an overview of the special law enforcement culture in the nation.
The tour, conducted by the team, had them going through some of the districts that make up Maseru, Leribe, Mafeteng, and Butha Buthe. They conducted thorough visits and inspections to gather information about the working conditions of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). Their dedication also included significant stakeholders such as the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Chieftainship and Home Affairs, the Commissioner of Police, Community Policing Committees, traditional leaders, members of tertiary institutions, retired police personnel, the victims themselves, and the current leadership of the LMPS.
This open and transparent process enabled the team to be well-informed and aware of the issues and opportunities within the police force. This will enable the Secretariat to support the LMPS in their operations to an international standard while being responsive to served communities’ interests.
Abiola Sunmonu, Adviser and Head of the Africa Regional Desk, Commonwealth Secretariat, chaired the Secretariat team. Her team requested an evaluation of institutional capacity, training, and resource requirements. The research will deliver sustainable options that will reshape the LMPS into a lean, agile, citizen-centred, and open policing service.
Commonwealth advisors were received by Prime Minister Sam Metakene in his government and committed to supporting initiatives by the Secretariat to contribute to the development of Lesotho’s system of government. He was appreciative of the critical role, which could be played by an effective police service in contributing to the elimination of such critical problems as violence, corruption, and border crime, all of which significantly imperil peace and security in the region.
The government signals the future direction of the LMPS, which will be led by the central role it is to play, as determined by what the needs assessment will result in. The needs assessment will guide the development of a reform agenda that blends international best practices with the local context. The highest priority will be given to the implementation of international standards and training packages for enhanced overall performance by the Lesotho police force.
The Commonwealth partnership is a sign of respect for each other’s institutions and rule of law. In the process of driving Lesotho towards sustainable development, Commonwealth assistance will play a crucial role in making provisions for accountability and security affordable to citizens. In this manner, Lesotho would be in the process of establishing its national police, and the outcome will improve peace, harmony, and economic growth in the kingdom.
