Ruling party officials and opposition groups have piled pressure on Thabane to leave office over allegations that he had a hand in a murder case that has shocked the tiny Southern African kingdom.
Eighty-year-old Lesotho Prime Minister, Thomas Thabane, on Thursday reiterated his intention to retire by the end of July “or earlier” despite the risk of prosecution for his alleged involvement in the 2017 murder of his estranged wife.
Ruling party officials and opposition groups have piled pressure on Thabane to leave office over allegations that he had a hand in a murder case that has shocked the tiny Southern African kingdom.
The octogenarian, whose term is due to end in 2022, has promised to retire by the end of July this year on the grounds of “old age”.
His ruling All Basotho Convention Party last week rejected his demand for immunity from prosecution after he steps down.
“I wish to once again reaffirm my decision to retire as Prime Minister,” Thabane said in an address to the nation on Thursday, without setting a clear date for his resignation.
“I have always been consistent that it is my wish to retire from office by the 31st of July, 2020, or earlier if all the necessary conditions for my retirement are put in place,” he added.
Thabane said the decision was “voluntary” as he was “no longer as energetic” due to his age.
“The government and the political party that I lead will coordinate the process of my retirement,” he assured.