Amnesty International calls for investigation of Lesotho Defence Force amid torture and killing allegations News
Lschefa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Amnesty International calls for investigation of Lesotho Defence Force amid torture and killing allegations

Amnesty International on Wednesday urged the Lesotho government to investigate allegations of torture and extrajudicial killings committed during the Lesotho Defence Forces’ (LDF) campaign to confiscate illegal firearms from gang members, dubbed Operation Hard Fist.

The operation was launched earlier this year in response to escalating violent crime in Lesotho, and the proliferation of illegal firearms. According to a September 6 press statement from Major Kelebone Mothibi of the LDF, the operation was initiated to restore peace and safety by targeting those in possession of unlicensed weapons. However, reports of human rights abuses have marred the campaign.

In September 2024, LDF soldiers allegedly killed two herdsmen. Amnesty International also reported that soldiers detained and tortured four men at an army base between August and September 2024. A video later emerged online that appeared to show soldiers whipping the four. The victims claimed they were beaten and subjected to inhumane treatment before their release. They later wrote a letter to the Lesotho authorities and LDF demanding compensation for the abuse they endured otherwise threatening legal action.

The incidents follow an earlier wave of alleged abuses by the LDF, with reports dating back to April and July 2024. Soldiers reportedly detained civilians arbitrarily, subjecting them to beatings and other forms of torture.

In response to the allegations, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Khanyo Farise, stated:

These incidents are the latest in a series of grave allegations about the conduct of LDF soldiers. Torturing and unlawfully killing people can never be justified, even in the context of a crackdown on gangs… Lesotho’s authorities must urgently investigate all incidents of torture and unlawful killings by the army, bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible in fair trials and adequately compensate the victims and their families.

Despite similar concerns, in August, LDF Major Kelebone Mothibi publicly threatened judges involved in cases concerning Operation Hard Fist arrestees. 

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