Maseru – Tension is boiling over in Lesotho this afternoon after heavily armed officers of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) surrounded a meeting of opposition political parties and labour unions at Mine Work Camps, in what eyewitnesses describe as an “intimidating show of force.”

The gathering, which brings together several opposition parties and union representatives, was reportedly convened to finalise plans for a legal protest against Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane’s government, scheduled for 31 October 2025. Sources at the scene told Lesotho Tribune that the army arrived in multiple vehicles, cordoned off the area, and ordered attendees not to leave.

“This is a clear message from the government that dissent will not be tolerated,” said one union official, speaking on condition of anonymity. 

“We were discussing our constitutional right to protest, and suddenly the military shows up with rifles. It feels like we are living under a dictatorship.”

Since taking office three years ago, Matekane has faced mounting criticism for tightening control over civic freedoms and suppressing demonstrations. The only remaining credible Civil Society Organisation, Section 2 has accused his administration of systematically denying permits for peaceful protests, often under the guise of maintaining “public order.”

The planned 31 October protest, organisers say, is aimed at drawing attention to the rising cost of living, unemployment, and alleged corruption within state institutions.

As of this hour, communication from the meeting venue remains limited, and attempts to reach LDF officials for comment have been unsuccessful. However, the deployment of armed forces at a civilian gathering is likely to fuel the growing perception that Lesotho is sliding into authoritarian rule.

This is a developing story.