The allegations against the Lesotho Defence Forces (LDF) raise serious human rights concerns, particularly in relation to the prohibition of torture and extrajudicial killings.

Development Diaries reports that four people were tortured and at least two others were killed by LDF soldiers during the ongoing Operation Hard Fist to confiscate illegal firearms from gang members, according to Amnesty International.

It is understood that Operation Hard Fist was launched by the Lesotho military earlier in the year, and LDF Major General Matela Matobakele threatened attorneys and judges handling cases involving people detained by the army during a speech to soldiers in early August.

Under international human rights law, particularly the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which Lesotho is a signatory, torture is absolutely prohibited in all circumstances, including during security operations.

The alleged torture and unlawful killings by LDF soldiers during Operation Hard Fist represent a gross violation of these legal obligations.

In the same way, the right to life is unbreakable, and any deprivation of life outside the context of legal due process is a violation of both national and international law.

Moreover, the state’s responsibility extends beyond preventing such abuses, it must also ensure accountability.

Failure to address such violations risks entrenching impunity and fostering a culture of abuse within the security forces.

This must not be allowed because impunity undermines citizens’ trust in state institutions and encourages further human rights violations, which can increase instability in the country.

Lastly, the victims and their families must be adequately compensated as part of the state’s commitment to restorative justice.

Development Diaries calls on the Lesotho government to conduct prompt, impartial, and thorough investigations into these incidents.

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