The meaning of reconciliation and unity in Lesotho of the 1980's: implications for future constitutional developments

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Periodical article

Title:	The meaning of reconciliation and unity in Lesotho of the 1980's: implications for future constitutional developments
Author:	Makoa, F.K.
Year:	1990
Periodical:	Lesotho Law Journal: A Journal of Law and Development
Volume:	6
Issue:	1
Pages:	289-305
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Lesotho
Subjects:	political conditions political systems 1980-1989
Abstract:	On 20 January 1986 the regime of Chief Leabua Jonathan, Prime Minister of Lesotho, was overthrown. Sweeping legislative and executive powers for King Moshoeshoe II, hitherto only a symbolic monarch, were announced. The king was to exercise these powers on the advice of a six-man Military Council, led by Major General J.M. Lekhanya. One of the aims of the new government was the restoration of peace and national reconciliation among the Sotho people. This article analyses the ideological context in which the twin concepts of unity and reconciliation were invoked, identifies the key users of these concepts and their specific political function in postindependent Lesotho, and looks at the changing social role of the churches in the 1980s in this respect. The article starts with an analysis of reconciliation and unity rhetoric prior to 1986. Notes, ref.