Lesotho has fired back at U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent remarks, in which he dismissed the Southern African nation as a country “which nobody has ever heard of.” The comments, made during his address to Congress while defending cuts to foreign aid, have sparked outrage both within Lesotho and internationally.
Trump’s statement specifically referred to an $8 million allocation to promote LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, implying that the funding was unnecessary for a country of little global significance. While his remark drew laughter from some members of Congress, it was met with strong disapproval from the Lesotho government.
Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed disappointment, stating that such comments were unexpected from a former head of state. “We are not taking this matter lightly,” he emphasized, adding that Lesotho plans to lodge an official protest with Washington.
Lesotho, known as the “Kingdom in the Sky,” is a landlocked nation entirely surrounded by South Africa. With a population of approximately 2.3 million people, it boasts breathtaking mountainous landscapes and is home to Afriski, the highest ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa. The country is also a crucial water supplier to South Africa, with its “white gold” water serving as one of its primary exports alongside diamonds.
Trump’s comments have prompted a wave of reactions on social media, where users highlighted Lesotho’s unique geographical and cultural heritage. “The Kingdom of Lesotho is, among many other things, the most important water tower in Southern Africa,” tweeted Germany’s ambassador to South Africa, Andreas Peschke. Others pointed out Lesotho’s distinct identity, noting that it remains the only independent nation entirely above 1,000 meters in elevation.
Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, Lesotho faces significant socio-economic challenges. It has one of the world’s highest HIV prevalence rates, with one in five adults living with the virus. Additionally, the country grapples with a severe mental health crisis, recording the highest suicide rate globally at 87.5 per 100,000 people, according to the WHO.
While Lesotho continues to battle these issues, its citizens and government are determined not to let Trump’s dismissive remarks define their country’s legacy. The incident has reignited global discussions about the importance of recognizing and respecting smaller nations on the world stage.
