Thomas Motsoahae Thabane, commonly known as Tom Thabane, is a prominent politician from Lesotho. Born on May 28, 1939, in the district of Maseru, he has been a significant figure in Lesotho's political landscape. Thabane's political career spans several decades, during which he served in various capacities, including as the Prime Minister of Lesotho.

Thabane's early education took place in Lesotho before he pursued further studies in South Africa. He was deeply influenced by the political environment of Southern Africa during the apartheid era, which shaped his views on governance and leadership. His entry into politics was marked by his involvement with the Basotho National Party (BNP), under which he held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs. However, internal conflicts within the BNP led to his departure from the party.

In 2006, Thabane founded the All Basotho Convention (ABC), a political party that quickly gained popularity in Lesotho. His leadership of the ABC was instrumental in challenging the dominance of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD). Thabane's party became a significant force in Lesotho's political arena, advocating for reforms and promising to tackle corruption and improve governance.

Thabane first became Prime Minister of Lesotho in 2012, following a coalition agreement among several parties. His tenure was marked by political instability, including tensions within the coalition and challenges from opposition parties. Despite these challenges, Thabane's government made some strides in improving the country's infrastructure and governance.

However, Thabane's time in office was not without controversy. His administration faced allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which fueled opposition against him. The situation escalated in 2014 when Thabane fled to South Africa, claiming that elements within the military were plotting to overthrow his government. This period of political instability led to international mediation, eventually resulting in Thabane's return to Lesotho and the formation of a new government.

Thabane's political career took another significant turn in 2017 when he once again became Prime Minister after his party won the parliamentary elections. However, his second term was marred by a high-profile scandal involving the murder of his estranged wife, Lipolelo Thabane, in 2017. Allegations surfaced that Thabane and his current wife, Maesaiah Thabane, were involved in the murder, leading to a judicial investigation. The scandal severely damaged Thabane's political standing and led to calls for his resignation.

In May 2020, Thabane stepped down as Prime Minister, citing old age and health reasons, although the political and legal pressures surrounding the murder case were widely seen as contributing factors. His resignation marked the end of a turbulent period in Lesotho's political history.

Throughout his career, Thabane has been a polarizing figure, admired by some for his leadership and criticized by others for his role in the political crises that have plagued Lesotho. His legacy is a complex one, reflecting both his contributions to Lesotho's political development and the controversies that overshadowed his later years.

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