The situation in Lesotho in 2014 reached a critical point when Prime Minister Tom Thabane fled to South Africa amid escalating tensions with the military. The military was reported to have seized control of military and police headquarters in Maseru, reportedly as part of a coup attempt to destabilize Thabane's government, which was formed in 2012 after contentious elections. As the political atmosphere grew more volatile, Thabane's decision to leave the country was seen as an act of self-preservation. Prior to his departure, Thabane had faced political rivalry from opposition parties and infighting within his own coalition government. This internal strife had led to a precarious political situation, and the military's actions compounded the uncertainty surrounding his leadership.

Amidst fears of violence, Thabane had sought refuge in South Africa, a neighboring country with a history of involvement in Lesotho's political conflicts. His flight triggered a series of discussions and interventions from other Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations, which aimed to restore peace and stability in Lesotho. The incident highlighted deep-rooted issues within the nation’s political system, including a lack of trust between various state institutions and significant political factions.

This event did not only escalate the crisis in Lesotho, but it also drew international attention to the fragile political landscape in the region. The aftermath of Thabane's departure saw the SADC step in to help mediate between conflicting political forces in Lesotho, emphasizing the need for a more stable and cooperative political environment.