Pakalitha Mosisili, born on March 14, 1945, in Waterfall, Qacha's Nek, Lesotho, is a prominent political figure who served as the Prime Minister of Lesotho for two non-consecutive terms, from 1998 to 2012 and again from 2015 to 2017. He has been a key player in Lesotho's political landscape, holding various leadership positions throughout his career.

Mosisili completed his early education in Lesotho before pursuing higher education abroad. He attended the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. He later obtained a Master of Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the United States and a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. His academic background in education and development studies played a significant role in shaping his political career and policy-making decisions.

Mosisili began his political career as a member of the Basutoland Congress Party (BCP), which later became the Basotho Congress Party. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in the party. In 1993, when Lesotho returned to democratic rule after years of military dictatorship, Mosisili was appointed as Minister of Education. His leadership in this role was instrumental in reforming the education sector in Lesotho.

In 1997, Mosisili was a founding member of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) after a split within the BCP. He became the leader of the LCD and subsequently the Prime Minister of Lesotho in 1998, following the LCD's victory in the general elections. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by efforts to stabilize the country's economy, improve infrastructure, and address social issues. However, his government also faced significant challenges, including political instability, protests, and accusations of corruption.

Mosisili's leadership was put to the test during the 1998 political crisis in Lesotho, which was triggered by allegations of electoral fraud. The crisis led to widespread unrest and the intervention of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to restore order. Despite these challenges, Mosisili remained in power until 2012, when he was defeated in the general elections by Tom Thabane, the leader of the All Basotho Convention (ABC).

After a brief period out of office, Mosisili returned to power in 2015, following a snap election that resulted in a coalition government. His second term as Prime Minister was characterized by continued political instability and challenges in maintaining the coalition. In 2017, Mosisili lost a vote of no confidence, leading to his resignation and the end of his political career as Prime Minister.

Pakalitha Mosisili's legacy is complex, with significant achievements in education and infrastructure development, but also marked by political controversies and instability. His long career in Lesotho's politics has left an indelible mark on the nation's history.

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