Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan was ousted in a coup.

In 1986, a significant political upheaval occurred in Lesotho when Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan was ousted in a coup. This event marked a pivotal moment in the country's history, leading to the establishment of the Transitional Military Council (TMC). The TMC, recognizing the need for a figurehead to legitimize its authority, conferred executive powers upon King Moshoeshoe II, who had previously held a largely ceremonial role. This transition aimed to stabilize the political landscape and restore order following the coup. However, the aftermath of the coup was marred by violence and repression, exemplified by the abduction and murder of Edgar Mahlomola Motuba, the editor of _Leselinyana la Lesotho_, just four days after the coup. This incident highlighted the dangers faced by journalists and the media in a politically volatile environment. The TMC's rule and the king's newfound powers set the stage for ongoing struggles between military authority and democratic governance in Lesotho, shaping the nation's political trajectory for years to come. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #Lesotho #1986Coup #TransitionalMilitaryCouncil #KingMoshoeshoeIi #PoliticalHistory