The South African Government has commended the parties to the coalition government in neighbouring Lesotho, who have agreed to meet and work together to resolve the challenges facing that government.

“The South African Government commends the parties on this development and remains hopeful that the coalition government will be able to overcome their current political challenges and continue to work together for peace and stability of the country,” Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Luwellyn Landers, said in a briefing on Wednesday.

The main political parties in Lesotho, who are in a fragile two-year-old coalition, have agreed to continue working together after emergency talks mediated by the Christian Council of Lesotho.

Coalition partners had been angered by Prime Minister Thomas Thabane's perceived aloofness, accusing him of operating unilaterally, without consulting other partners.

That prompted a junior coalition partner, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy, to vow to forge a new governing alliance to oust the Prime Minister.

In response, the premier suspended parliament – with the blessing of the king – allowing him to dodge a vote of no confidence.

Focus on continental matters

Turning to Nigeria, Landers said the South African Government remains concerned about the fate of the abducted school girls from Chibok, and the continuing terrorist activities perpetrated by Boko Haram, which continue to claim the lives of many innocent civilians.

“The South African Government reiterates its condemnation of all forms and manner of terrorism and from whichever quarter,” he said.

The new Deputy Minister said South Africa will continue to support the actions taken by the African Union (AU) in support of Nigeria and other countries where the scourge of terrorism and armed groupings impact on the lives of innocent people and impede development.

President Jacob Zuma has in recent times expressed concern regarding the activities of armed groupings in various African countries and called on the AU to put in place measures aimed at ensuring long-lasting peace and stability on the continent.

With regard to Egypt, Landers welcomed the decision of the AU Peace and Security Council to lift the suspension of that country in the AU.

The 15-member council decided unanimously to restore Egypt's activities after nearly one year of suspension.

Egypt's participation in the AU was suspended last July following the removal of the elected President Mohamed Morsi by the army in response to the mass protests over his one turbulent year in rule.

Former military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was sworn into office in early June after his landslide victory in Egypt’s presidential election that was held in late May.

Landers said South Africa stands ready to assist the government and people of Egypt where required, as they seek to rebuild their country in accordance with the popular aspirations of the Egyptian people following the recent election.

However, the deputy minister said Government has expressed its deep concern over the increased suppression of media freedom and freedom of expression, which contravenes the international instruments on human rights and in particular, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“We will continue engaging with the authorities in that country through available diplomatic channels on this and other matters.”

This comes after an Egyptian court sentenced three Al-Jazeera journalists from seven to 10 years in jail over charges of aiding the currently blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood.

The journalists included Australian Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Mohamed Fadel Fahmy and producer Baher Mohamed, who work for the Doha based Al-Jazeera English TV.

Kidnapped teens

During the media briefing, Landers also noted with regret the latest developments regarding the fate of the three Israeli teenagers, who were kidnapped, and the reactions from both Israel and Palestine.

He called upon all parties involved to exercise restraint, including a halt to the arbitrary arrest of Palestinian citizens and the use of collective punishment of Palestinians and the disturbance of their social and economic rights.

“South Africa furthermore urges both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to cooperate and find an amicable solution.

“South Africa believes that this unfortunate event should not be used from whatever quarter to cast aspersions on the legitimate existence of the Unity Government in Palestine, whose advent has been wholly welcomed by the members of the international community.”