```html Lesotho MP Charged After Claiming Country 'Signed Over' to South Africa

A member of parliament in Lesotho is facing criminal charges after accusing the country's king and government of effectively ceding control of the landlocked nation to South Africa. Dr. Tshepo Lipholo, an opposition MP, is also accused of undermining the authority of the royal family by declaring himself the chief ruler of Lesotho.

Dr. Lipholo's arrest and subsequent charges have ignited debate within Lesotho and raised questions about regional relations, historical grievances, and the delicate balance of power in Southern Africa.

Seditious Words and Incitement Allegations

According to the charge sheet, which the BBC has reviewed, Dr. Lipholo is accused of "uttering seditious words" and "inciting public violence." The state alleges that he claimed King Letsie III and the government had "signed [over] Lesotho to become the 10th South African province." These statements were reportedly made on social media and in radio interviews between April and June 2025.

He is further accused of declaring himself the paramount chief of Basutoland, the country's former colonial name, challenging the authority of the reigning monarch.

A retired army official, Major General Samuel Makoro, was also arrested, allegedly for supporting Dr. Lipholo and providing him with sensitive information.

Territorial Claims and Historical Context

Dr. Lipholo, leader of the Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM), which holds one seat in parliament, has previously advocated for the return of parts of South Africa that he claims historically belong to Lesotho. These areas include the Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.

The Basotho people inhabited these territories until the 19th century when they were seized by Afrikaners. Many Basotho still reside in these regions, particularly in the Free State.

Dr. Lipholo's motion, previously debated in Lesotho's parliament, is based on a 1962 United Nations resolution recognizing the right to self-determination and independence for the people of Basutoland.

South Africa's Rejection and the African Union Charter

South African officials have dismissed Dr. Lipholo's territorial claims as unrealistic and lacking widespread support within Lesotho. A key obstacle is the 1964 Cairo Declaration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU). This declaration stipulates that African nations recognize existing borders at independence, even those drawn by colonial powers, to prevent widespread conflict.

South Africa's foreign affairs ministry reaffirmed this position in response to a parliamentary question earlier this year.

Dr. Khabele Matlosa, a political analyst specializing in Southern African politics, notes that "While historical grievances are understandable, redrawing borders in contemporary Africa is a recipe for instability. The AU charter provides a crucial framework for maintaining peace and preventing territorial disputes from escalating into armed conflicts."

Legal Proceedings and International Appeals

Dr. Lipholo's legal team was given until July 25, 2025, to argue for bail. He remains in police custody.

Dr. Lipholo has also stated his intention to bring the motion before the British Parliament, arguing that the UK, as the former colonial power that granted Lesotho independence in 1966, has a responsibility to address the border issue.

According to Professor John Stremlau, Visiting Professor of International Relations at the University of Witwatersrand, "Appealing to the former colonial power is a risky strategy. While the UK bears historical responsibility, the current political climate is unlikely to favour intervention in a matter that African nations themselves are addressing through existing frameworks."

Implications for Lesotho-South Africa Relations

The case has the potential to strain relations between Lesotho and South Africa, which are already complex due to Lesotho's economic dependence on its larger neighbor. Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa, and many Basotho work in South Africa.

The outcome of the legal proceedings and the broader political fallout will be closely watched by observers across the region. ```