The embattled All Basotho Convention (ABC) is set to hold a special conference in Maseru on October 30, following demands from 36 of its 80 constituency committees. The committees are seeking accountability from the party's depleted leadership for the turmoil that has led to the resignation of five senior officials this month. The conference may also consider fresh elections for the National Executive Committee (NEC).
The recent resignations have significantly impacted the party's top tier, with Secretary General Thebe Mokoatle, Deputy Leader Samonyane Ntsekele, Chairman Kemiso Mosenene, Deputy Secretary General Tšolo Khechane, and Deputy Chairman Lebakeng Ishmael Mpana leaving their positions. Mokoatle cited sustained intimidation, insults, and death threats as reasons for his resignation, while Mosenene mentioned the absence of unity in the NEC. The departures follow a circular issued by party leader Nkaku Kabi on August 25, accusing Ntsekele and Mokoatle of deliberately destabilizing the party.
The remaining five NEC members have filled four of the vacant posts, with Kefeletsoe Mojela as the new deputy leader, Tšehlo Ramarou as chairman, Sekaleli as deputy chairman, and Tsele Mohoshela as deputy secretary general. Treasurer Teboho Thobileng will act as secretary general until a conference can fill the post. According to party spokesperson Mphonyane Lebesa, the NEC formed a quorum with five members remaining.
The special conference was made possible by the requests from 36 constituencies, exceeding the 24 required by the party's constitution. Lebesa stated that the constituencies want answers about the problems within the party's leadership and that the conference will deliberate on the matter and decide on the direction to take. He also mentioned that the resigned officials had earlier tried to rally constituencies behind a special conference but failed.
The Lesotho Times understands that the resigned officials wanted a new NEC elected without Kabi. However, Lebesa claimed that the numbers are on Kabi's side, citing that only one constituency initially wrote in, but letters poured in after Kabi issued a statement inviting constituencies to request a conference. This, according to Lebesa, shows that the numbers are not in favor of the departed officials.
The party is also facing financial challenges, with Mokoatle alleging that the ABC owes about M400,000 in unpaid rent and accusing Kabi of blocking payment while diverting party funds to himself. Mokoatle claimed that only Kabi and Treasurer Teboho Thobileng had access to the party's bank account. The party's financial situation and internal conflicts come as it prepares for the next general elections.
The ABC was formed in 2006 by Thomas Thabane and has since played a significant role in Lesotho's politics, leading coalition governments from 2012 to 2015 and from 2017 to 2022. However, the party suffered a significant blow in the 2022 general election, losing every constituency and being left with just eight proportional representation seats. The October 30 conference will test whether Kabi can hold together what remains of the party.
Key points
- The All Basotho Convention will hold a special conference on October 30 to address internal conflicts and leadership crisis.
- Five senior officials, including the Secretary General and Deputy Leader, have resigned citing intimidation, insults, and death threats.
- The party is facing financial challenges, including an alleged M400,000 unpaid rent bill and accusations of fund diversion.
