Lesotho, the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is Africa’s only country entirely above 1,000 meters, encircled by South Africa. The history of Lesotho centers on the Basotho nation’s formation under King Moshoeshoe I, colonial protection, independence, and modern struggles with poverty, climate, and trade shocks. This timeline covers its path to 2026.
Pre-Colonial Roots and Basotho Unification (Pre-1820s)
Sotho-Tswana peoples settled highlands from ~3rd–11th centuries. Khoisan hunter-gatherers preceded them. Early 19th-century Mfecane wars (Zulu expansion under Shaka) displaced groups. Moshoeshoe I (born ~1786) united clans at Thaba Bosiu fortress (1824), founding Basutoland and repelling invaders.
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Conflicts with Boers and British Protection (1830s–1868)
Boer trekkers encroached from 1830s, sparking wars. Moshoeshoe sought British protection. 1868: Britain annexed Basutoland as protectorate to halt Boer advances.
Colonial Era: Basutoland Under Britain (1868–1966)
Annexed to Cape Colony (1871), then direct crown colony (1884) after Gun War revolt. Indirect rule preserved chiefs; economy relied on migrant labor to South African mines. Political parties emerged 1950s.
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Independence and Monarchy (1966–1990s)
Independence October 4, 1966, as Kingdom of Lesotho; Moshoeshoe II king, Leabua Jonathan (BNP) PM. 1970 coup suspended constitution after disputed election. Military rule followed 1986 coup. 1993 democratic elections restored civilian rule.
Political Instability and Reforms (1990s–2010s)
1998 unrest prompted SADC intervention. 2000s saw coalition governments, coups (e.g., 2014), and reforms. 2017 elections brought change; 2022 Sam Matekane (Revolution for Prosperity) won.
Lesotho in 2026: Economic Pressures and Resilience
Lesotho faces structural challenges: high youth unemployment (~49%), climate droughts, SACU revenue volatility, and AGOA expiration (2025) imposing US tariffs on textiles (threatening 20,000 jobs, ~43% exports). 2025/26 growth revised down (~0.9–1.1%); 2026/27 budget targets fiscal surplus via reforms. NSDP II Ext. (2023/24–2027/28) focuses growth, human capital, infrastructure. HDI rose to medium category; multidimensional poverty declined but rural high. Graduation from LDC status pursued amid debt risks and regional solutions.
