Prime Minister Thomas Thabane of Lesotho formally tendered his resignation on May 19 after months of a growing political crisis in the small land-locked kingdom since January, when he and his wife were implicated in murder. He has clung to power, but has been under mounting pressure in recent weeks to resign.
He was questioned and remains a suspect in the murder.
At the heart of the crisis is the murder of Thabane’s estranged wife, Lipolelo Thabane, on June 14, 2017, just two days before his inauguration as prime minister. His current wife, Maesaiah Thabane, was charged with involvement in the murder in February. He was questioned and remains a suspect, but he has not been charged and denies that he was involved.
The coalition government of Thabane’s party, the All Basotho Convention, and three other parties was dissolved last week, forcing his hand to resign.
This morning, May 20, King Letsie III swore in finance minister Moeketsi Majoro as acting prime minister. A new parliament is expected to be formed by Friday, May 22.