Lesotho’s Foreign Minister criticized President Trump’s dismissive remarks about the country’s recognition during a congressional address. Despite his comments, Lesotho has received substantial U.S. aid and is pursuing internet access through Starlink, indicating its potential importance. Minister Mpotjoane expressed hope for future American support, despite the president’s generalizations.
The Foreign Minister of Lesotho, Lejone Mpotjoane, expressed disappointment regarding President Donald Trump’s remarks during his congressional address, where he suggested that no one is familiar with the nation. “It is surprising and disappointing that he claimed no one knows Lesotho,” Mpotjoane stated on Wednesday, emphasizing that the president should not generalize about international awareness. He noted that Trump may have targeted Lesotho due to its economic status, while also warning that America might seek assistance from it in the future.
In his 100-minute speech, Trump questioned the rationale behind U.S. foreign aid to Lesotho, stating, “Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of.” This comment elicited laughter from attendees, including Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Mpotjoane highlighted that Lesotho has been a recipient of American financial assistance for nearly two decades, receiving over $44 million through USAID last year.
In response to Trump’s statement about LGBTQ2+ rights, Minister Mpotjoane noted his lack of awareness regarding the specific $8 million contract, stating that USAID typically distributes funds through non-governmental organizations rather than the Lesotho government.
Despite Trump’s comments, notable individuals like Elon Musk maintain connections with Lesotho. Musk met with Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, last September to discuss the expansion of Starlink internet access for the country’s 2.3 million residents. Starlink, operating under SpaceX, has pursued a 10-year licence to operate in Lesotho, as confirmed by the Lesotho Communications Authority.
On social media, Prime Minister Matekane shared images from his meeting with Musk, expressing optimism about future developments, while Starlink aims to extend its service to numerous African nations, already being operational in countries such as Nigeria and Kenya. Musk has personal ties to the region, having been born in Pretoria, South Africa, which is in proximity to Lesotho and houses a U.S. embassy.
In summary, the Foreign Minister of Lesotho has voiced his discontent regarding President Trump’s remarks about the country’s recognition and significance. Despite the president’s dismissive comments, Lesotho remains an important recipient of U.S. foreign aid. Notably, the country is also exploring advancements in internet connectivity through partnerships with companies like Starlink, recently discussed with Elon Musk. This highlights Lesotho’s potential significance on the global stage, despite its perceived obscurity.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
