LESOTHO’S warring political parties have agreed to form a unity government, potentially ending a bloody conflict that has lasted more than a year.

Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili’s Democratic Congress and former prime minister Tom Thabane’s All Basotho Convention (ABC) agreed to form a “grand coalition,” the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported on Thursday.

Under the deal, Mr Mosisili’s deputy Monyane Moleleki will become prime minister and Mr Thabane will be his deputy — paving the way for his return from South Africa, which surrounds the mountain kingdom
He fled there in August 2014, fearing assassination at the hands of Lesotho’s military.

Mr Mosisili came to power at the head of a coalition government after a February 25 snap election called by King Letsie III, although the ABC increased its number of seats.

That summer saw a crackdown on opposition figures, including the murder of ABC supporter General Maaparankoe Mahao by troops outside his home.

Basotho National Party leader Thesele Maseribane and Reformed Congress of Lesotho leader Keketso Rantso are also in self-imposed exile in South Africa.

The deal must now be approved by the National Assembly, which speaker Ntlhoi Motsamai adjourned on Tuesday until after Christmas. The customary debate and vote was not held on the basis that that day’s sitting had run out of time.

Opposition parties said this was a sign of cowardice on the government’s part. However, the SABC reported that all parties want Mr Mosisili to step down.

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