Pakalitha Mosisili

Mosisili became Prime Minister after the 1998 general election, which was disputed and led to political instability. His Lesotho Congress for Democracy party won a majority, but allegations of fraud prompted intervention by Southern African Development Community forces.

Mosisili signed the treaty with South Africa to implement the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a major infrastructure scheme transferring water to South Africa and generating hydroelectric power for Lesotho. The project became a key economic driver but faced corruption allegations.

After 14 years in power, Mosisili's party lost the 2012 general election to a coalition led by Tom Thabane. He accepted defeat and stepped down, marking a rare peaceful transfer of power in Lesotho's history.

Mosisili returned as Prime Minister after winning the 2015 snap election, forming a coalition government. His return followed the collapse of Thabane's government amid political infighting and instability.

Mosisili resigned as Prime Minister after losing a no-confidence vote in parliament. His coalition government collapsed due to internal divisions, leading to another snap election which he lost to Tom Thabane.