Lesotho PM refuses to go

The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Thomas Thabane, is refusing to be pushed out of office, saying he will not go until he is ready to leave. 

Mr Thabane told local media that nobody had the right to force his departure, despite a government pledge to give him a dignified exit. 

Exactly what has been proposed in this exit strategy is unclear, but it follows talks between members of the coalition government and South African mediators. A statement was released afterwards, promising a “dignified and secure exit”. 

The prime minister has been under pressure to step down over allegations that he was involved in the murder of his estranged wife in 2017.

First Lady Lipolelo Thabane was shot dead in an apparently “senseless killing”, just two days before her husband was sworn in as prime minister.

Mr Thabane’s current wife, Maesaiah Thabane, has since been charged in connection with the murder. In 2015 she lost a court case to Lipolelo over the rights and titles of the office of first lady - a humiliating loss for her and the prime minister. 

Some members of Mr Thabane’s party now say they want him to go immediately. 

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