The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has taken note of
circulating reports alleging that His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of
Lesotho has been blocked from attending the 2025 Kuomboka Ceremony.
These reports are false and do not reflect the official position of the Ministry.
His Majesty King Letsie III and Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic
of Zambia, enjoy warm and cordial relations, as do the governments of Zambia
and Lesotho.
This relationship was reaffirmed during their recent bilateral
engagements, including on the margins of the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit
in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in January this year.
The standard diplomatic protocols and procedures were duly followed regarding
the invitation of His Majesty King Letsie III, including a formal invitation letter written
by President Hakainde Hichilema, on behalf of His Majesty the Litunga Imwiko II.
The public may wish to know that His Majesty King Letsie III formally sent his regrets on the attendance of the Kuomboka due to prior national commitments.
Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has not
denied clearance to any dignitary, including His Majesty King Letsie III.
Furthermore, we wish to clarify that the announcement of President Hichilema’s
attendance at the Kuomboka does not prevent other dignitaries from being
invited or attending the ceremony.
We also wish to state that government respects the customs and traditions of the
Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE), and indeed that of any Traditional leaders.
We hence urge the public and the media to refrain from spreading unverified
information that may harm Zambia’s diplomatic ties with other countries.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation remains committed to fostering cordial relations with all regional and international partners in the spirit of unity for mutually beneficial collaborations.
This is done in line with Zambia’s
Foreign Policy anchored on two Pillars; Peace, Security and Stability, and
Economic Diplomacy.
Issued by
Eva Hatontola Chanda (Mrs.)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation