COVID-19 Information (Last updated: March 1, 2021) Country-Specific Information: The Lesotho Ministry of Health has confirmed more than 10,491 cases of COVID-19 within its borders. The government of Lesotho has decreased the lockdown alert to “Purple Level” effective March 1, 2021. The return to Purple Level loosens restrictions on some public activities but maintains mandatory masks in …
Read More»
Maseru, Lesotho, December 3, 2020: Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales welcomed a small group of highly engaged young Basotho women for a dialogue with First Lady ‘Masekoalane Majoro and Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports, and Recreation Likeli Tampane entitled “Perspectives of Young Women on Domestic Violence” at her residence on November 27. The 90-minute discussion allowed the …
Read More»
Maseru, Lesotho, December 1, 2020: Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales attended the Lesotho’s national commemoration of World AIDS Day 2020 event hosted by His Majesty King Letsie III at the Royal Palace in Maseru on December 1. Also present were the Prime Minister Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, government officials, international partners, and faith leaders. Under the theme, “Global …
Read More»
Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Minister of Health, Honorable Motlatsi Maqelepo, and other partners joined Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso as she announced the preliminary results of the Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (LePHIA 2020) survey at the Royal Residence in Matsieng on November 30. LePHIA 2020 is a household-based national survey conducted between December 2019 …
Read More»
On November 25, U.S. Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales joined First Lady Mrs. ‘Masekoalane Majoro and Minister of Health, Honorable Motlatsi Maqelepo, to officially launch the “DREAMS, For Girls Like Us” campaign.
Read More» Before I begin, please allow me to pay my respects to: • His Majesty King Letsie III • The Right Honorable the Prime Minister • Members of His Majesty’s Cabinet • Their Excellencies Heads of Diplomatic Mission and International Organizations • The Basotho Nation • My Fellow Americans in Lesotho • Ladies and Gentlemen For …
Read More» Maseru, Lesotho May 13, 2020 The Ambassadors of the European Union and the United States of America and the High Commissioners of the Republic of South Africa and the United Kingdom take note of the termination of the 4×4 coalition Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho in a consensual decision of the National Assembly. It …
Read More»
Teams across the U.S. government, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense and the Department of State, are working together worldwide on the response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by prioritizing programs and countries with the greatest need for assistance …
Read More» Maseru, Lesotho April 17, 2020 JOINT STATEMENT As the international community focuses on fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of maintaining stability and the rule of law in Lesotho has never been greater. As the diplomatic representatives of the European Union, the Republic of South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States, all of …
Read More» On Sunday, March 15, new restrictions on entry to the Republic of South Africa were announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The most relevant restrictions for U.S. citizens currently in or planning to visit Lesotho include: 1) Effective Monday, March 16, closure of some land borders between South Africa and Lesotho, and 2) effective …
Read More»
On March 15, 2020, Peace Corps Director Judy Olsen announced the suspension of all volunteer activities globally due to the COVID-19 outbreak and related travel constraints and school closures. Following on evacuations that have taken place in certain countries, all Peace Corps volunteers worldwide are now being evacuated. As a result of this announcement, Peace …
Read More» On Tuesday, February 11, Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales, Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and the Deputy Minister of Health Hon. ‘Manthabiseng Phohleli visited the Letlapeng village in Morija in a bid to help amplify the ongoing Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (LePHIA) 2020 survey as it kicks off data collection in the Maseru district. This …
Read More» The Ministry of Trade and Industry launched an African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Utilization Strategy for Lesotho in Maseru, January 22, 2020. The strategy, developed with support from the USAID Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub, is designed to increase trade and investment, support economic development, and diversify sources of growth for Lesotho. Effective use of the strategy will position …
Read More» Khotsong, Bo ‘M’e le Bo ‘Ntate Please allow me to pay my respects to: His Majesty King Letsie III; The Right Honorable the Prime Minister Honorable Ministers of Cabinet; particularly the Minister of Trade and Industry the Honorable Halebonoe Sets’abi Government Officials Members of the National AGOA Steering Committee Business Leaders Media colleagues Distinguished Guests, …
Read More» On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, United States Ambassador, Her Excellency Rebecca E. Gonzales swore in Lesotho’s new group of Peace Corps Volunteers during a ceremony held at the Thaba-Bosiu Cultural Village in Maseru. The Peace Corps is the U.S. Government’s volunteer organization, which sends Americans to developing countries to work alongside their host country counterparts …
Read More» World AIDS Day 2019 Op-Ed by Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales 2020 is right around the corner. The start of a new year – or a new decade in this case – often compels us to pause and ask ourselves the following questions: are we living life to the fullest; and are we doing everything in our …
Read More» On October 24-25, American officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States visited Maseru to provide specialized training at the U.S. Embassy for thirty-six members of the security sector. The training was focused on providing theoretical and practical knowledge to help law enforcement and civilian investigators from the Lesotho Mounted Police …
Read More» The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is conducting a high-level mission to Maseru from October 21 to 23, led by its Managing Director of Selection, Eligibility, and Policy Performance, Daniel W. Barnes. The MCC mission is meeting with a wide variety of stakeholders including government, civil society, and the business community to gather information in advance …
Read More» Please allow me to begin today by first paying my respects to: His Majesty King Letsie III Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso The Right Honorable the Prime Minister The Honorable President of the Senate The Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Acting Chief Justice The Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Members …
Read More» Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be here with you on the Rooftop on this beautiful afternoon in Maseru. We have been waiting for this moment for months. There are many things we want to celebrate today – including all of you who represent our partners and alumni. Although we are in fact “launching” …
Read More» At the U.S Embassy in Maseru September 23, 2019, Ambassador Rebecca E. Gonzales joined by Acting Minister Temeki Tsolo and Deputy Minister of Education and Training ‘Maphoka Motoboli officially awarded grants worth approximately 3.6 million Maloti to three community-based organizations, eight schools and four civic organizations. These projects are supported through the U.S President Emergency …
Read More» Bo ‘M’e le Bo ‘Ntate Good morning and welcome to all of you. Before I begin, please allow me to pay my respects to: His Majesty the King The Right Honorable the Prime Minister Honorable President of the Senate Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Honorable Members of His Majesty’s …
Read More» Please allow me to begin today by first paying my respects to: His Majesty King Letsie III The Right Honorable the Prime Minister The Honorable President of the Senate The Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Acting Chief Justice The Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Honorable Members of his Majesty’s Cabinet, including the …
Read More» Bo ‘M’e le Bo ‘Ntate Good morning and welcome to all of you. Before I begin, please allow me to pay my respects to: His Majesty the King The Right Honorable the Prime Minister Honorable President of the Senate Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Honorable Members of His Majesty’s …
Read More» Bo ‘M’e le Bo ‘Ntate Good morning and welcome to all of you. Before I begin, please allow me to pay my respects to: His Majesty the King The Right Honorable the Prime Minister Honorable President of the Senate Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Honorable Members of His Majesty’s …
Read More»
Bo-‘Me le Bo-Ntate Good afternoon and welcome to all of you. Before I begin, please allow me to pay my respects to: His Majesty the King The Right Honorable the Prime Minister Honorable President of the Senate Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Acting Chief Justice Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Honorable …
Read More» Good morning. Please allow me to begin today by first paying my respects to: His Majesty King Letsie III The Right Honorable the Prime Minister The President of the Senate The Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Acting Chief Justice Honorable Members of his Majesty’s Cabinet, notably, the Honorable Minister of Energy Senior …
Read More» Good morning. Please allow me to begin today by first paying my respects to: His Majesty King Letsie III The Right Honorable the Prime Minister The President of the Senate The Speaker of the National Assembly Honorable Ministers (especially the Minister of Education and Training Professor Rapapa and Minister of Energy and Meteorology Au) Honorable …
Read More» An Op-Ed by Ambassador Rebecca Gonzales On International Women’s Day 2019 International Women’s Day is a chance to reflect on the status of women and gender equality around the world. It seems more than reasonable to dedicate attention to this issue for at least one day – since women are the pillars within communities and …
Read More»
Ambassador Rebecca E. Gonzales and the Minister of Finance Dr. Moeketsi Majoro announced the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Development Grant Agreement worth $5.78 million marking a critical milestone in the development of a second compact with the Lesotho Government. The Compact Development Grant Agreement makes funds available to the Government of Lesotho to develop …
Read More» Good morning. Please allow me to begin today by first paying my respects to: His Majesty King Letsie III The Right Honorable the Prime Minister The President of the Senate The Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Honorable Members of his Majesty’s Cabinet, particularly the Minister of Health, Their Excellencies Heads …
Read More» The United States Government celebrated 50 years of friendship and collaboration between the Peace Corps and the Basotho people at Thaba-Bosiu, December 12, 2018. A high-levelA delegation from the Peace Corps Headquarters led by Meredith Giordano, Deputy Director of Global Operations, visited Lesotho this week to participate in the commemoration, in partnership with the Government of Lesotho. Their …
Read More»
Bo ‘Me le Bo ‘Ntate Good afternoon and welcome to all of you. Before I begin, please allow me to pay my respects to: His Majesty the King The Right Honorable the Prime Minister Honorable President of the Senate Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Honorable Deputy Prime Minister Honorable …
Read More»
My dear friends, one of the greatest privileges of serving as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Lesotho is traveling around the country to meet Basotho in the places they live, study, and work. As I tour the country – Ke Hahlaula Lesotho – I’d like to invite you along to share the journey by …
Read More»
From February 12 – 14, 2018, a delegation from the U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) , comprised of Kyeh Kim, Principal Deputy Vice President, Africa ; Tom Kelly, Acting Vice President, Department of Policy and Evaluation; and Jason Small, Managing Director, Africa, visited Lesotho to discuss the development of an MCC compact to reduce poverty and promote economic growth in partnership with the Government of …
Read More»
On December 19, the Board of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) met in Washington, DC. Following the meeting, Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Nash spoke to Prime Minister Thabane to advise him of the Board’s decision to reselect Lesotho, after a two-year hiatus. The Board recognized the concrete steps taken by the Government of Lesotho over …
Read More» On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, Chargé d’Affairés Daniel S. Katz swore in Lesotho’s new group of Peace Corps Volunteers during a ceremony held at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village in Maseru. The Peace Corps is the U.S. government’s volunteer organization, which sends Americans to developing countries to help build the skill capacity among host country nationals, …
Read More»
At as ceremony held in Maseru, Thursday, September 14, Ambassador Matthew Harrington together with the Seputy Minister of Health ‘Manthabiseng Phohleli officially opened the new Lesotho Nursing Council Headquarters in Maseru, where they also launched the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision/Early Infant Medical Circumcision (VMMC/EIMC) task-sharing for nurses and midwives. In an effort to strengthen the …
Read More»
On Thursday, September 21, the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane will announce the results of the Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (LePHIA) survey at the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York. LePHIA was conducted from November 2016 to May 2017 in order to measure the reach and impact …
Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Matthew Harrington and the Minister of Health Mr. Kaya Nyapane officially launched the $180,000 refurbished Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at Motebang Hospital in Leribe, September 12, 2017. This lab will help provide viral load monitoring for people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and early diagnosis of infants exposed to HIV. This will contribute to the …
Read More»
Ambassador Matthew Harrington awarded ten local organizations with grants totaling $140,000 to fight HIV/AIDS at an event in Maseru, August 15, 2017. These small grants are funded through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and support community-initiated projects that aim to strengthen health service delivery in communities throughout Lesotho affected by HIV/AIDS. Groups use these funds for income-generation projects and community-based HIV/AIDS health …
Read More»
On June 29, 2017, we celebrated the 241st anniversary of United States’ Independence in Maseru with our Basotho friends, colleagues, and government partners. Addressing the guests, Ambassador Matthew Harrington congratulated Basotho on peaceful and credible election and said he was “optimistic that Basotho from all walks of life – politicians, representatives of civil society, business …
Read More»
Ambassador Matthew T. Harrington inaugurated a block of two classrooms at Ranthoto Primary School in Thaba-Tseka District on June 5, 2017. The classrooms were constructed with a grant of $8,318 (approximately M115,500) from the U.S. Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund and will provide additional instructional space for approximately 200 students. At the inauguration, Ambassador Harrington said, “The substantial U.S. support …
Read More»
Underscoring the U.S. government’s support for free and fair elections in Lesotho, the U.S. Embassy hosted a three-day workshop for journalists focusing on the crucial role the media play in ensuring elections are peaceful and credible. U.S. Ambassador Matthew Harrington and Commissioner Makase Nyaphisi of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) opened the workshop for 40 …
Read More»
Christopher Maloney, Managing Director of Selection and Eligibility and Jason Small, Managing Director for Operations in Africa at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), visited Lesotho February 26-28, 2017. During their visit they met with government representatives, including Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, as well as representatives of the opposition, the diplomatic community, and civil society. This …
Read More»
In commemoration of World TB Day 2017, Deputy Chief of Mission Elizabeth Pelletreau, together with officials from the Ministry of Health, attended the Lesotho premier of TheLucky Specials, a feature film designed to both entertain audiences and to educate them about tuberculosis (TB). The film was created with the support of the United States Government …
Read More»
United States Ambassador Matthew T. Harrington officially handed over at Makoanyane Barracks a newly-constructed health clinic dedicated to the fight against tuberculosis (TB). This $1.4 million state-of-the-art facility will help the Lesotho Defense Force provide high quality TB services to uniformed personnel and their families as an element of the longstanding support given by the …
Read More»
on February 13, 2017, U.S. Ambassador Matthew T. Harrington visited the community of Ha-Ntsoakele in Leribe District to highlight the more than $14.1 million (M185 million) in U.S. Government drought relief assistance to Lesotho. During his visit, Ambassador Harrington met with community members working together to improve sustainable agriculture by combating soil erosion who also …
Read More»
Yes, we have a brand new website! Have a look around! The new-look website has seven sections representing broad topics that may be of interest to you. The sections are broken down further into sub-categories to assist you in finding specific information. The Seven Sections are: Visas – For all your Visa needs and questions. U.S. Citizen Services – …
Read More»
Ambassador Matthew Harrington visited a site where food commodities were being donated through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to respond to the drought experienced by Lesotho in 2015. The country went thought one of the worst dry spells in many years leading to Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili declaring a state of emergency, …
Read More»
Today United States Ambassador Matthew Harrington swore in Lesotho’s new group of Peace Corps Volunteers. The Peace Corps is the United States government agency that sends Americans to developing countries to help build their skills capacity and form lasting cross-cultural relationships. The United States Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy …
Read More»
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Florie Liser visited Lesotho November 9-10, 2016 to recognize 50 years of bilateral partnership. During her visit she met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Tlohang Sekhamane and Minister of Trade and Industry Joshua Setipa, with whom she discussed the longstanding bilateral partnership, Lesotho’s success to date under the African …
Read More»
In a ceremony held at the Pitso ground in Maseru, U.S. Ambassador Matthew Harrington joined Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and the Minister of Health Dr. ‘Molotsi Monyamane to launch the Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (LePHIA) Survey. This survey will measure the reach and impact of the country’s HIV prevention, care and treatment …
Read More»Footer Disclaimer
