Maseru, Lesotho – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier ended his four-day Africa trip with a visit to Lesotho on Saturday, becoming the first German president to visit the mountainous country surrounded by South Africa.
The visit came at the invitation of King Letsie III, extended during a meeting in Berlin last year. Steinmeier’s stop in Lesotho followed discussions in South Africa on Friday with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Lesotho, which gained independence from Britain in 1966, has faced persistent political instability. Analysts report widespread corruption and abuses of power in justice, public services, and security institutions, with political elites often blocking essential reforms.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier tours German-supported GIZ/Renoka Project at Qiloane/Metolong Dam Area.#200yearsofbasotho #GermanyLesotho #HMKingLetsieIII pic.twitter.com/rO3ZSyrDgt
— Lesotho Government (@LesothoPR) December 14, 2024Many of the country’s rural areas remain difficult to access, with villages reachable only on foot or horseback. The economy relies heavily on agriculture, textile exports, diamond mining, and the sale of water.
Due to limited job opportunities, many Basotho have migrated to South Africa, particularly for work in the mining sector, making the neighboring country a critical economic partner.
