In January 1986, Lesotho's Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan was forcibly removed from power in a coup d'état orchestrated by General Justin Lekhanya. The political environment in Lesotho had been increasingly unstable, characterized by rising discontent among the populace and opposition groups that had become increasingly vocal against Jonathan's leadership. The situation was exacerbated by economic difficulties and allegations of corruption within the government. In this context, Lekhanya and his military forces intervened to oust Jonathan, citing a need for political reform and stability. The coup commenced early in the morning, with military units taking control of strategic locations in the capital, Maseru. Following Jonathan's ousting, Lekhanya declared a state of emergency and assumed control as the leader of a military junta. The new regime's immediate goals included restoring order and addressing the issues that had plagued Jonathan's administration. Though Lekhanya promised to transition back to civilian rule, this process was fraught with challenges, including tensions between the military and various political factions. Under Lekhanya's rule, Lesotho experienced a different set of political dynamics, including the repression of dissent and political opposition, which harbored long-term implications for the nation’s governance and democratic prospects. The international response to the coup was mixed, with some neighboring countries expressing concern over the legitimacy of Lekhanya's regime. Despite pressures for democratic reform, the military government faced ongoing challenges in establishing its authority while navigating regional politics within Southern Africa. The coup not only changed the course of Lesotho's political landscape but also influenced the dynamics of cooperation and conflict within the region, as various factions vied for power and influence in the aftermath of Jonathan's government.