Journalist summoned over labour report

Candi Ratabana Ramainoane, a Lesotho journalist and manager of an independent Maseru-based radio station, was summoned to appear at the Ministry of Communication on Wednesday over the broadcast of a nationwide strike on 10 May, the Committe to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said. The summons, according to the CPJ, accuses MoAfrika FM of fuelling anti-government sentiment by publicising a strike called by an anonymous group in support of demands for the holding of elections and the establishment of a government of national unity. The CPJ added that Ramainoane has also been ordered to bring along the copy of his station’s broadcasting licence, raising concerns that the government of Pakalitha Mosisili might withdraw it. Lesotho’s foreign minister, Thomas Thahane was quoted on Monday in the official radio as saying his government planned to take “drastic measures” against MoAfrika FM for inciting the population to unrest, said the CPJ.