Lesotho's public service minister says he is acting premier after 'coup'
A scene from a market in Maseru on August 31, 2014. Lesotho's Prime Minister Tom Thabane claimed on August 30 that he had fled for his life after soldiers seized power in a coup, although the military denied it overthrew the tiny mountain kingdom's government. PHOTO | AFP
MASERU
Lesotho's minister of public service, Motloheloa Phooko, told AFP on Monday that he was the country's acting prime minister, after the elected premier fled the country during an apparent coup.
"I am acting prime minister," the minister said from Maseru, citing "cabinet protocol" for his appointment while the prime minister and deputy prime minister are in South Africa.
Phooko is a member of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy party — which forms an acrimonious coalition government with Prime Minister Tom Thabane.
The party has denied any role in the alleged coup.
POWER VACUUM
Phooko's comments are the first indication that a destabilising power vacuum seen since military action early Saturday is being filled.
Deputy prime minister Mothetjoa Metsing, also of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy party, is also in South Africa for talks, leaving Lesotho's citizens unsure of who is in charge.
In raids before dawn on Saturday the military attacked key police installations and surrounded the premier's residence.
Prime Minister Thabane fled to South Africa shortly before the raids, after being tipped off that the military was about to move against him.
The soldiers have since returned to their barracks, denying they planned a coup and claiming no political motive.
Phooko said he would issue a statement to the nation later on Monday, describing the political situation as "fluid".
