Lesotho Foreign Minister Disappointed by Trump’s Remarks on Country’s Recognition

Lesotho’s Foreign Minister expressed disappointment after President Trump claimed nobody had heard of the country during a congressional speech, criticizing his generalization. Despite the dismissive comment, entrepreneur Elon Musk is pursuing opportunities in Lesotho, exploring the possibility of providing satellite internet services through Starlink. This development may highlight Lesotho’s importance in the future.

Lesotho’s Foreign Minister, Lejone Mpotjoane, expressed disappointment following President Donald Trump’s remark during a congressional address, where he stated that “nobody has ever heard” of Lesotho. The minister found it surprising and criticized the generalization made by the president, suggesting that the comment stemmed from Lesotho’s economic status. Mpotjoane warned of a time when the United States might need support from Lesotho despite its current dismissive perception.

During his 100-minute address, President Trump commented on U.S. foreign aid, specifically mentioning an $8 million allocation for promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho with a sense of disbelief. His remark elicited laughter from attendees, including Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Mpotjoane clarified that he was unaware of this funding since USAID typically channels its allocations through non-governmental organizations.

Interestingly, entrepreneur Elon Musk has established ties with Lesotho. He met with Prime Minister Sam Matekane last September to discuss the introduction of Starlink satellite internet services for the nation’s population of 2.3 million. Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, has submitted a proposal to the Lesotho Communications Authority for a 10-year operational license, which was acknowledged in February. Exciting developments are anticipated, as Matekane highlighted in his social media post following the meeting.

Musk, whose origins trace back to Pretoria, South Africa, only 491 km from Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, may provide a significant technological boost to the region. With Starlink already operational in numerous African nations, Musk’s involvement could enhance connectivity in Lesotho, further fostering development despite the country’s current under-recognition on the global stage.

The remarks made by President Trump have drawn criticism from Lesotho’s government, highlighting a perceived lack of awareness about the country’s status and its established U.S. relations. Despite this, advancements such as Elon Musk’s initiative to bring satellite internet access may position Lesotho for future growth, signaling that its importance should not be underestimated. Overall, the instance underscores a disconnect between global perceptions and the realities faced by developing nations.

Original Source: globalnews.ca