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JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Lesotho's military seized two police stations Saturday as gunfire rang out in the capital of the mountainous kingdom. The country's prime minister said the actions amounted to a coup, though an army spokesman said the soldiers were only securing the country.
Political tensions have been high in the tiny kingdom that is completely surrounded by South Africa since June when there was a power struggle after Prime Minister Thomas Thabane suspended parliament to dodge a vote of no confidence. At the time, South Africa warned against simmering conflict.
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An AFP photographer reported shots ringing out in the early morning hours, and said a reinforced military contingent was guarding the prime minister's official residence and that soldiers were patrolling the streets of the capital Maseru. The streets of the capital were calm, residents said, although some shops remained closed. South African radio stations also reported that private radio stations were off the air in the nation.
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The prime minister of the southern African kingdom of Lesotho has fled to South Africa, alleging a coup by the army and saying his life is in danger.
Speaking to the BBC, Thomas Thabane said he would return from South Africa, which surrounds Lesotho, "as soon as I know I am not going to get killed".
