The African National Congress commends the swift and productive role played by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in resolving the political impasse in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The SADC Troika on Defence, Politics and Security, chaired by President Zuma, and consisting of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia must be congratulated for averting continued tensions following the seizure of key buildings and installations by the Lesotho Defence Force over the past weekend.

The African National Congress remains committed to the creation of a better Africa and a better world. Five decades after the formation of the OAU and the African Union, Lesotho, together with other sister countries on the continent, must continue to contribute to the continental body's vision towards 2063 to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa. We trust that the people of Lesotho, supported by SADC and the African Union, will find, through democratic practices and peaceful dialogue, a lasting solution to the challenges confronting the Kingdom.

Issued by the ANC