Maseru - SADC Facilitator Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Maseru, Lesotho, this afternoon, Tuesday 18 November 2014, as part of efforts to monitor implementation of the provisions of the recently signed security and political agreements in the country. 

The SADC facilitation team, under the leadership of the Facilitator, Deputy President Ramaphosa, working together with the political leadership of the Kingdom of Lesotho, brought about the signing of the Maseru Facilitation Declaration, leading to the reconvening of parliament in October this year, the dissolution of parliament in December 2014 and the holding of brought-forward elections by end of February 2015.

On the other hand, the SADC mission also facilitated the signing of the Maseru Security Accord resulting in the agreement for the three senior security officers in the Lesotho Defence Force and Lesotho Mounted Police Service to take leave of absence and undergo working visits in their related fields of work in SADC or Commonwealth countries.

Deputy President Ramaphosa is expected to return to South Africa later today, Tuesday 18 November 2014.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria