Govt Refutes Claims of Blocking King LETSIE III from Kuomboka Ceremony

By Arnold Tutu

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has dismissed reports alleging that His Majesty #King LETSIE III of the Kingdom of Lesotho was blocked from attending the 2025 Kuomboka Ceremony, stating that such claims are false.

In a statement released to ZNBC news, the Ministry clarified that King LETSIE III and President #HAKAINDE HICHILEMA share warm and cordial relations, as do the governments of Zambia and Lesotho.

The Ministry cited their recent bilateral engagements, including discussions during the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in January 2025, as evidence of these strong ties.

According to the Ministry, all standard diplomatic protocols were followed regarding King LETSIE III’s invitation to the ceremony.

President HICHILEMA, on behalf of the #LITUNGA IMWIKO II, formally invited the Lesotho monarch.

However, King LETSIE III sent his regrets, citing prior national commitments as the reason for his absence.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has not denied clearance to any dignitary, including His Majesty King LETSIE III,” said EVA CHANDA, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

She further clarified that President HICHILEMA’s attendance at the ceremony does not prevent other dignitaries from being invited or participating.

Mrs. CHANDA further said the government has reaffirmed its respect for the customs and traditions of the Barotse Royal Establishment –BRE- and other traditional leaders in Zambia.

She has urged the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information that could harm Zambia’s diplomatic relations with other nations.