Moshweshwe I

Moshoeshoe I established his stronghold at Thaba-Bosiu, a mountain fortress, and began uniting various Sotho clans into the Basotho nation. This provided a safe haven during the Difaqane and laid the foundation for Lesotho.

Moshoeshoe's forces captured the Tlokwa stronghold of Sekonyela, ending the long conflict between the Basotho and Tlokwa. This victory consolidated Basotho control over the region and absorbed many Tlokwa into the nation.

Facing threats from the Orange Free State, Moshoeshoe requested British annexation of Basutoland. The British agreed, making Basutoland a protectorate and preserving Basotho independence from Boer rule.

Moshoeshoe signed a treaty with the British that defined the boundaries of Basutoland (modern Lesotho). The treaty ceded some territory to the Orange Free State but secured British protection for the Basotho.