Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Basotho community residing in Ethiopia came together in a spirited celebration to honor the 60th birthday of His Majesty King Letsie III and extend a warm welcome to the newly appointed Ambassador, H.E Ms. Ntšiuoa Sekete. The festive event, held on Saturday, August 5th, 2023, showcased Basotho tradition, culture, and unity, with attendees hailing from various organizations including the Embassy, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
In a lively and colorful ceremony that resonated with Basotho tradition, participants adorned themselves in customary attire from both nations. The festivities featured speeches, dances, and a delectable array of Basotho and Ethiopian cuisine, underscoring the camaraderie between the two communities.
Mrs. Keiso Matashane-Marite, the Basotho Community Dean and a fervent advocate for women’s inclusivity, extended a warm reception to Ambassador Sekete. Notably, she praised the Kingdom of Lesotho for appointing Ambassador Sekete as the first female Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), the AU, and UNECA. This accomplishment was framed as a pivotal step forward for women in Lesotho and across Africa, aligning with the ongoing celebrations of a month dedicated to women.
Ambassador Sekete, in her address, commended the Basotho community for their unity and the shared spirit between Basotho and Ethiopians. She underscored the significance of conveying Lesotho’s narrative to the wider African continent, especially during the commemoration of His Majesty King Letsie III’s 60th birthday, a milestone akin to the AU’s six decades of service to Africa.
Highlighting Lesotho’s upcoming commemoration of 200 years as a nation in 2024, Ambassador Sekete echoed the call of Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Hon Lejone Mpotjoana, for information-sharing and awareness about opportunities within AUC, UNECA, and other AU organs. She underscored the importance of capacity building among Basotho, ensuring they benefit from Lesotho’s membership and employment quotas within these esteemed organizations.
Addressing the community’s concerns about the nation’s economic challenges, Ambassador Sekete assured attendees that the Government of Lesotho is dedicated to stabilizing the economy. She encouraged a focus on innovation and cultural exchange to represent the Kingdom in a positive light on the international stage.
The event also served as a platform for the Basotho community to elect and endorse a working committee aimed at coordinating future activities, fostering continued unity and cultural preservation among Basotho residing in Ethiopia.
