Lesotho has once again passed the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact II Scorecard of 2025 by the United States.
Not only did Lesotho pass, it improved from passing 15 indicators last year to 17 of 20 indicators this year.
According to the US Embassy’s Chargé d’affaires, Thomas Hines, this accomplishment reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance and fostering economic prosperity.
On its part, the government says it is pleased with the overall progress it has achieved on the scorecard and says it is aiming to achieve more positive results next year.
Millennium Challenge Account Lesotho II is the authorised entity of the government of Lesotho responsible for implementing the health and horticulture compact with Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
The compact is a $300 million grant from the US government to Lesotho that aims to reduce poverty through sustainable inclusive economic growth.
Of MCC’s 76 scorecards, only 26 countries passed while 50 countries did not. According to the scorecard, Lesotho has scored 79 percent, down from 85 percent last year in the control of corruption.
Scorecards assess the government’s performance in key policy areas throughout the year to determine its continuing eligibility for MCC funding.
Presenting the MCC 2025 scorecard presentation to cabinet on Tuesday this week, Hines said the United States will seek avenues to do more to partner with Lesotho to combat corruption.
“Not only does regression in this area put Lesotho at risk of failing the scorecard, we also know the corrosive impact of corruption on the economy and society,” he noted.
However, opposition parties have fired a broadside at United States’ recent corruption report which they say paints the country in a flattering light.
Basotho National Party leader, Machesetsa Mofomobe, dismissed the report as a deliberate attempt to obscure the governments’ corrupt practices, particularly through the MCC compact.
Mofomobe said the report has been designed to hide the government’s corrupt activities by the MCC compact for reasons known to them only.
He pointed to ongoing investigations into corruption, claiming that Prime Minister Sam Matekane has failed to address allegations involving his cabinet, which have damaged public confidence in his leadership
“Numbers do not lie. Incidents of high-level corruption exposed in the media are there for everyone to see. Prime minister Matekane has not taken any action against his cabinet’s corrupt dealings that have been reported on.
“He has not even given Basotho any reassurance that he is in charge. Day in, day out, there are corrupt practices being investigated. The report misrepresents the reality of corruption in Lesotho.
“The scorecard is falsified, but I am not surprised as this government is a baby of the West,” Mofomobe said.
He cited the controversial M109 million fertilizer tender, the governments’ alleged shady energy deal at Ha Ramarothole Solar energy, and the minister of agriculture and food security, Thabo Mofosi’s alleged involvement in a M43 million tender deal, as part of government’s failure to curb corruption.
The Public Accounts Committee is also investigating public works and transport minister Matjato Moteane’s involvement in the awarding a lucrative contract to refurbish Moshoeshoe I International Airport to his own companies.
Echoing these sentiments, Democratic Congress deputy leader Motlalentoa Letsosa said the MCC report may not reflect the latest developments in the fight against corruption, noting that information may have been gathered before significant actions were taken by the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO).
Letsosa highlighted recent joint efforts between Lesotho and South African law enforcement agencies to seize assets tied to government theft, including cars, property, and cash valued at over M50 million.
“The recent corruption report fails to accurately reflect the true extent of corruption within the government, particularly among ministers,” he indicated.
Letsosa argues that the report is either incomplete or outdated, as it does not account for the current state of affairs or recent developments.
In a recent press conference, the leader of the Democratic Congress, Mathibeli Mokhothu, strongly criticised the Matekane-led government, accusing it of widespread corruption, particularly in the awarding of tenders.
Mokhothu specifically pointed to Matekane’s delayed withdrawal from his business interests at Letṥeng Diamond Mine, which took nearly a year after he had assumed office.
He also raised concerns about minister Lebona Lephema’s company taking over Mothae Mine, suggesting a pattern of questionable dealings within the government.
Mokhothu further alleged that the Revolution For Prosperity government’s leadership is marked by corruption and focuses on personal enrichment rather than the public good.
He also accused the government of failing to adequately support the agricultural sector.
“Despite parliament allocating substantial funds to support farmers, funds are not reaching intended recipients in time, leading to delays in the provision of essential farming inputs,” he stated.
Speaking at the presentation of the scorecard, deputy prime minister, Nthomeng Majara, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to control and eliminate corruption.
“We are working tirelessly to expose corrupt activities, keeping the public sector honest and accountable,” Majara said.
