Leabua Jonathan was a prominent Basotho politician who served as the Prime Minister of Lesotho from 1965 until he was overthrown in a military coup in 1986. Born on October 30, 1914, in the village of Leribe, Lesotho (then known as Basutoland), Jonathan grew up during a period of significant social and political change in southern Africa. He was educated in local schools before joining the civil service, where he became a prominent figure in Basotho society.

Jonathan's political career began in earnest in the 1950s when he became a key figure in the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP), which advocated for the independence of Basutoland from British colonial rule. However, Jonathan later broke away from the BCP due to ideological differences and founded the Basotho National Party (BNP) in 1959. The BNP was more conservative and favored a gradual transition to independence while maintaining close ties with the United Kingdom.

Jonathan's BNP won the 1965 general elections, and he became the first Prime Minister of Basutoland. Under his leadership, the country gained independence from Britain on October 4, 1966, and was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho. Jonathan's rule was characterized by efforts to maintain political stability and economic development in a country surrounded by apartheid South Africa, a relationship that proved to be both a challenge and an opportunity for Lesotho.

Despite his initial successes, Jonathan's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by growing political unrest and accusations of authoritarianism. His government was increasingly criticized for suppressing opposition and curtailing civil liberties. In the 1970 general elections, Jonathan's BNP was defeated by the BCP, but he refused to cede power, leading to a constitutional crisis. He declared a state of emergency, suspended the constitution, and continued to rule by decree.

Over the next decade, Jonathan's government became more repressive, relying heavily on security forces to maintain control. His relationship with South Africa became increasingly strained, especially as Lesotho provided refuge to anti-apartheid activists. In 1986, his government was overthrown in a military coup, supported by South Africa. Jonathan was placed under house arrest, marking the end of his 21-year rule.

Leabua Jonathan died on April 5, 1987. His legacy is a complex one, with some viewing him as a champion of Basotho nationalism and independence, while others criticize his authoritarian methods and the political instability that marked his later years in power.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leabua_Jonathan