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Lesotho MP Proposes 8-Fold Border Expansion, Faces Opposition

5/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Opposition MP Tshepo Lipholo tabled a motion to enlarge Lesotho’s area from 30,000 sq km to roughly 240,000 sq km.
Parliament debated the motion on May 5 2026 and adjourned until Thursday.
The proposal cites a 1962 UN resolution and the 1964 Cairo Declaration.
South African officials say the motion lacks support and is unlikely to succeed, noting Lipholo will raise the issue in British Parliament, arguing United Kingdom set Lesotho’s borders at independence in 1966.

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Story summary

Opposition MP Tshepo Lipholo tabled a motion to enlarge Lesotho’s area from 30,000 sq km to roughly 240,000 sq km.
Parliament debated the motion on May 5 2026 and adjourned until Thursday.
The proposal cites a 1962 UN resolution and the 1964 Cairo Declaration.
South African officials say the motion lacks support and is unlikely to succeed, noting Lipholo will raise the issue in British Parliament, arguing United Kingdom set Lesotho’s borders at independence in 1966.