The arrest of youth activist Tšolo Thakeli on sedition charges after he posted a viral video criticizing the government’s failure to address unemployment has ignited public protests and condemnation from regional human rights groups.
According to a report by the International Centre for Transitional Justice, Thakeli’s video, shared widely across social media in mid-June, accused the administration of Prime Minister Sam Matekane of “abandoning the youth” amid soaring joblessness. Within days, he was taken into custody without formal charges, before eventually being charged with sedition, and held incommunicado, triggering a wave of demonstrations in Maseru and other urban centers.
Protesters, largely made up of university students and unemployed graduates, called for Thakeli’s immediate release and demanded urgent government intervention in the employment crisis. Security forces were deployed to disperse the gatherings, reportedly using tear gas and making several arrests.
Political Dissent or State Suppression?
Authorities have defended the arrest, citing national security concerns, but critics argue that the sedition charge is a thinly veiled attempt to silence government critics. Lesotho has seen a rise in social unrest as its youth unemployment rate approaches 40%, with many blaming chronic political instability and lack of economic planning.
Local journalists have also reported increased surveillance and pressure on independent media outlets that covered the protests, further deepening fears of a deteriorating civic space.
Violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Thakeli’s arrest and the subsequent crackdown on protests breach several key protections under the African Charter:
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Freedom of Expression (Article 9): Detaining an individual for sharing political views constitutes a violation of the right to express and disseminate opinions freely.
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Liberty and Security of the Person (Article 6): Arresting Thakeli without due process and detaining him without formal charge violates his right to liberty.
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Freedom of Association and Assembly (Articles 10 & 11): The repression of protests and intimidation of those expressing solidarity with Thakeli infringe on the collective rights to freely associate and assemble.
A Growing Pattern of Repression?
This incident follows a regional trend of governments targeting vocal youth figures amid growing economic discontent. Analysts warn that failing to engage constructively with youth voices risks long-term instability.
Human rights organizations are calling on the government of Lesotho to drop all charges against Thakeli, release detained protesters, and open dialogue with youth groups on economic reform. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has yet to issue a statement, but legal experts argue that Lesotho is in clear breach of its obligations under the Charter.
