Lesotho has experienced persistent political violence across six phases: an unstable attempt at democracy (1966–1970), autocratic one-party rule (1970–1985), military autocracy (1986–1992), a contested democratic transition (1993–2002), election-related conflicts (2002–2012), and unstable coalition governance since 2012. This prolonged instability has eroded the rule of law and deepened societal divisions.

In response, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), supported by the African Union (AU), urged comprehensive governance reforms to address the root causes of conflict. In 2019, Lesotho established the National Reforms Authority (NRA) to oversee these reforms, focusing on transitional justice and national unity. The NRA was tasked with developing mechanisms for political conflict resolution and justice processes (NRA, 2021, p. 12).

The NRA’s initiatives included consultations and the National Stakeholder Consultative Forum themed “The Path Towards Sustainable Peace, National Unity, and Reconciliation.” However, transitional justice mechanisms were not prioritized, leaving many citizens dissatisfied with the lack of accountability and redress. Victims continue to demand justice for political crimes and human rights violations