Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki, a radio journalist in Lesotho, has been killed in a suspected retaliation for his work in uncovering government affairs, corruption, and organized crime. Joki’s death is the latest attack on press freedom in Lesotho, a country that Reporters Without Borders ranks at 67 out of 180 nations worldwide for press freedom. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Joki had previously been threatened for his work. Lesotho has also been facing an increasing issue with gang-related violence and illegal firearms in recent times.
Lesotho’s government has imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. across the country in response to increasing gun violence, following the killing of Joki. The curfew will remain in place until further notice, with those breaching the curfew facing fines or up to two years in jail. The decision of the curfew has drawn disappointment from Lesotho opposition leader Machesetsa Mofomobe, who has criticized the move. Mofomobe suggests that what is needed is money to implement a crime prevention strategy, rather than imposing a curfew.
In other news, African royalty and leaders were among the 2,000 guests at the Commonwealth Day ceremony in London on March 9. Among the attendees were King Mswati III of Eswatini, President Ali Bongo Ondimba and his wife Sylvia Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, and South African opera star Pretty Yende, among many others.
On an international stage, the Indian government has been accused of imposing its nationalist ideology of “Hindutva” in Kashmir, attempting to erase Muslim identity. According to the Kashmir Media Service, Hindu extremist groups in Rojouri town are occupying Muslim Waqf land and preventing the reconstruction of a historic mosque. Occupation authorities have imposed curfews in Rajouri town to prevent Muslim protests.
On the domestic front, curfews are being used to limit the spread of COVID-19 in California with a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in place between November 21 and December 21. The curfew covers 94% of California’s population. Politically, opposition has emerged with several Republican lawmakers and multiple county sheriffs declaring that they will not enforce the curfew.
In conclusion, Joki’s death and the imposition of the curfew in Lesotho have highlighted the increasing issue of gun violence and the need for the government to address this issue directly. The prevalence of gang-related violence and illegal firearms has already been a significant challenge for Lesotho’s government, and now there is a need to address the persecution of journalists. The imposition of curfews in various regions worldwide reinforces the challenges that governments face in containing COVID-19, but highlights the political challenges that restriction efforts are facing.
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