PRETORIA — Lesotho has announced plans to suspend water exports to South Africa through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, citing rising xenophobic tensions and attacks against Basotho nationals and other foreign workers in South Africa, officials said on Monday.
The government in Maseru said the move would be implemented as a “temporary protective measure” in response to what it described as “unacceptable levels of violence and intimidation” targeting Basotho citizens living and working in South African towns and cities.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project, one of Africa’s largest water transfer schemes, supplies billions of cubic meters of water annually from the mountain kingdom to South Africa’s industrial heartland, including Gauteng province.
Lesotho’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said continued unrest and attacks on foreign nationals had created an “insecure environment” for its citizens, prompting urgent consultations with South African authorities and regional bodies.
South Africa has in recent weeks seen a rise in anti-immigrant protests and sporadic violence targeting foreign nationals, particularly in urban informal settlements. Several African countries have issued travel advisories or begun repatriation efforts for their citizens amid safety concerns.
South African authorities have repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to strengthen law enforcement operations against perpetrators, while urging calm and respect for migrants and refugees.
The potential suspension of water exports raises concerns over possible diplomatic and economic fallout between the two neighboring countries, which share deep trade, labor, and infrastructure ties.
Negotiations between the two governments are expected to continue in the coming days.
