National security policy as a framework for stability

Abstract

Since obtaining political independence in the year 1965, the Kingdom of Lesotho has been characterised by recurring political instability. Repeated interventions by neighbouring countries and the Southern African Development Community have, unfortunately, failed to guarantee Lesotho lasting peace and security. One of the ingredients that has contributed to Lesotho’s instability is the uneasy relationship that has existed between the security sectors themselves, as well as the security sectors and the civilians, particularly political leadership. This has culminated in coup d’états as well as clashes between the leaders of the security sector. This study examines the causes of such security challenges which have rendered Lesotho politically unstable. In particular, the study advances the view that Lesotho has encountered security challenges because it does not have a National Security Policy. The study further argues that the adoption of National Security Policy has the potential of resolving the causes of instability that has come to characterise Lesotho. To address the National Security challenges Lesotho has started a reform process which will lead to the adoption of a National Security Policy. In particular, a draft National Security Policy and Strategy has already been adopted to address the challenges which the country has faced. The study interrogates the National Security Policy draft and the processes that led to its adoption. It argues that the current draft National Security Policy and Strategy has some shortcomings relative to other ideal situations in other countries. If adopted and implemented in its current form, it, (the policy) will hamper its intended objective of ensuring that Lesotho attains sustainable national peace and security. The study recommends that there be a removal of political influence and control within the security sector, as it was revealed in this study that those elements are the biggest contributing factors affecting national peace and security which the country has faced over the years. The study was conducted using qualitative research method, which investigated the literature and legislation on the historical overview of Lesotho political instability. It also looked into the Lesotho proposed reforms towards attaining peace and security for the country. The study also conducted a comparative study on the practices that can be used in Lesotho in order to attain national peace and security through the adoption of a National Security Policy. Through the methods used, the research revealed that an adoption of a National Security Policy can be used as a Security Sector Reform method, however the Policy must abolish all forms of political influence within the security bodies in order for it to achieve the desired results.