The acquisition of new military equipment is set to boost Lesotho's profile as a credible player in international peace-keeping efforts.

This was said by the Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Mr. Pakalitha Mosisili during the inspection of equipment at the Lesotho Defence Force's (LDF) Ratjomose barracks on Wednesday.

The equipment, estimated at M24 million is to be used by the LDF specialised forces, which is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Brigade launched at the 2007 Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. The brigade is a regional peace-keeping force.

The equipment includes five armoured vehicles, troop carriers, a field medical clinic, communication equipment and a water treatment facility.

Mr. Mosisili said having specialised peace-keeping standby soldiers is a highlight of Lesotho's commitment to the United Nations, African Union and SADC initiatives to bring peace and stability to every part of the world.

He said, as a member of the AU Peace and Security Commission, Lesotho has an obligation to enforce law and order in Africa, which is why the country agreed to the formation of an Africa Stand-by Force.

At the same occasion, the LDF commander Lieutenant (Lt) General Thuso Motanyane said lack of equipment has come under the spotlight on numerous occasions that the LDF has taken part in exercises in the region and beyond.

He expressed confidence that the new equipment would enable the army to carry out its peace-keeping operations as effectively as their counterparts from other countries.

Lt. General Motanyane promised that the equipment will be used to protect lives in and outside Lesotho, and will never be used to violate innocent civilians to change governments unconstitutionally.

He added that the equipment is not enough, as it is only a third of what is required, and called on government to consider pumping more money into this initiative.

Among those present at the occasion were some government ministers, principal secretaries and the military's top brass.

Source: LENA 20/02/2008