The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat, is set to visit the Kingdom of Lesotho on Thursday, February 6, 2025, as he nears the conclusion of his tenure. This visit comes just days before the 38th Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government, scheduled for February 15, where a new Chairperson and Deputy Chair will be elected.
During his one-day visit, Mahamat will meet with key figures in Lesotho, including His Majesty King Letsie III, Prime Minister Sam Matekane, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. His visit aims to express gratitude to the Kingdom of Lesotho for its support throughout his leadership and to acknowledge the role of King Letsie III in advancing the AU’s initiatives, particularly as a Champion for Nutrition.
Mahamat’s leadership over the past eight years has seen significant developments in continental integration and economic progress. Under his tenure, the African Union spearheaded the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to open Africa’s airspace to more competition, and secured the African Union’s admission into the G20.
Lesotho has played a notable role in AU affairs during Mahamat’s leadership. The country was chosen to host the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), an institution that has received strong support from Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso.
Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU, Ntšiuoa Sekete, noted that Mahamat’s visit marks the end of an era, following two successful terms in office. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoana, reaffirmed Lesotho’s appreciation for the confidence the AU has placed in the Kingdom over the years.
