Multiple citizenship in Lesotho

Published: 11/May/2018
Source: The Post (Maseru)

By: Motlatsi Thabane

Some of the causes of political instability in Lesotho are related to the fact that secure livelihood is very difficult for majority of Basotho because Lesotho is a small country with limited natural resources. Against this background, allowing Basotho to gain access to citizenship of South Africa and other countries has been touted as one of the ways in which socio-economic well-being can be secured for majority of Basotho, and, thereby, political stability established in the country.

At present, Section 41 of Lesotho’s Constitution bars citizens of Lesotho from simultaneously holding citizenship of Lesotho and that of another country. This paper discusses legal and political issues pertaining to multiple-citizenship in Lesotho.

Primarily, the paper looks at the legal position regarding multiple-citizenship in Lesotho; the stance of Lesotho’s political elites on the subject; and examines the potential of multiple-citizenship to reduce political instability in Lesotho.

Two part article published 11 and 18 May 2018, available at:

Part 1. https://www.thepost.co.ls/insight/multiple-citizenship-in-lesotho/

Part 2: https://www.thepost.co.ls/insight/multiple-citizenship-in-lesotho-2/