On Diplomacy in Lesotho: Comparison and Contrast Between Lesotho's Pre-Colonial and Post-Colonial Diplomatic Agents

Abstract

The purpose of this article, which is based on Mothibe’s (1997) paper on diplomatic agentsin pre-colonial Lesotho, is to compare and contrast Lesotho’s diplomats of today andthose of King Moshoeshoe’s time. Following the brief historical background of Lesotho,the author compares and contrasts the two diplomatic eras on the following points: eligibilitycriteria of diplomatic agents, functions and responsibilities of diplomats in pre-colonial and\ud post-colonial times, privileges, immunities and inviolability of diplomatic agents. The paperconcludes by indicating that diplomacy in Lesotho is as old as the state itself and that thediplomacy of Moshoeshoe’s era basically followed the same principles and executed thesame diplomatic functions as in post-colonial era. However, what is drastically different isthat today the functions and principles are codified as part of the international law whereas inthe pre-colonial epoch they were not. The codification and formalization of diplomatic lawsand functions, it is argued, does affect execution of diplomatic business for the bette