Lesotho’s Foreign Minister Responds to Trump’s Comments
Minister Lejone Mpotjoane Expresses Disappointment and Frustration
The foreign minister of Lesotho, Lejone Mpotjoane, has expressed disappointment and frustration over President Donald Trump’s comments during his congressional address on Tuesday. Trump said that nobody has ever heard of Lesotho, a small African country.
“It is surprising and disappointing that he claimed no one knows Lesotho,” Mpotjoane said on Wednesday, a day after Trump made the dismissive remark that generated a ripple of laughter through the U.S. Congress.
Lesotho’s History of Receiving American Financial Assistance
Lesotho is a longstanding recipient of American financial assistance. For nearly two decades, it has received funds through USAID, which sent over $44 million last year.
Lesotho’s Connection to Elon Musk
Despite Trump’s nonchalant dismissal of the country’s existence, Elon Musk has close ties to Lesotho. Musk, who helms the newly coined Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), met with Lesotho’s prime minister Sam Matekane last September to discuss establishing Starlink access for the country’s 2.3 million inhabitants.
Starlink’s Bid for a 10-Year Licence
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, is Musk’s internet satellite provider and has applied for a licence to operate in Lesotho. The Lesotho Communications Authority confirmed in February that it had received Starlink’s bid for a 10-year licence.
Conclusion
The comments made by President Trump have caused frustration and disappointment among the people of Lesotho. Despite this, the country remains committed to working with the United States and other international partners to promote peace, stability, and economic development in the region.
FAQs
Q: What did President Trump say about Lesotho during his congressional address?
A: President Trump said that nobody has ever heard of Lesotho.
Q: How did the foreign minister of Lesotho respond to Trump’s comments?
A: Minister Lejone Mpotjoane expressed disappointment and frustration, saying that it was surprising and disappointing that he claimed nobody knows Lesotho.
Q: What is the history of American financial assistance to Lesotho?
A: Lesotho is a longstanding recipient of American financial assistance, having received funds through USAID for nearly two decades.
Q: What is Starlink’s connection to Lesotho?
A: Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, is bidding to win contracts in numerous African countries and has applied for a licence to operate in Lesotho.
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