South Africa the Good-Neighbor Coup

A bloodless revolt in Lesotho, but blood still flows next door

Strolling through the peaceful vegetable gardens and fruit trees at his country retreat 40 miles outside the capital city, Maseru, Lesotho's Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan early last week was the picture of self-confidence. Yes, admitted the Prime Minister, his country had been shaken by a 19-day ) blockade by South Africa, which completely surrounds the mountainous kingdom (pop. 1.5 million). But Chief Jonathan, 71, who had ruled Lesotho (pronounced Leh-sue-too) in an increasingly autocratic manner since its independence from Britain in 1966, smoothly dismissed rumors that his government might be toppled by a military takeover. "I have never in all my...

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