African Media Barometer Lesotho

Lesotho has grappled with political tensions over the last few decades. Over the last two years, the friction intensified between the army and the police, as well as a constitutional crisis, the prorogation of parliament, an alleged attack on the former Prime Minister which he described as a coup attempt, and the flight of opposition members to neighbouring South Africa.

This contest for power within the security sector and political leadership has had a rippling effect on the social and media landscape. The escalation of intimidation within the media fraternity has seen a number of citizens reporting issues on condition of anonymity and in some cases not being reported at all by journalist out of fear. These divisions have hindered the media sector from being united and consolidating their position on critical issues and therefore, groups formed to advocate for media freedom are not sustainable. The level of consciousness of the public with respect to media policy issues is very limited, and the public “is not generally aware of the importance of media freedom.”

The narrow reach and focus of news content have resulted in citizens being disconnected from critical issues directly affecting them. “For example, with the 2015 election, people had limited information on the process and why it was happening. But there may be an element of ‘negligence’ or apathy, as many people don’t even know who their leaders are.”