Onrust in Lesotho

Twee weken geleden was er helemaal geen fijn nieuws uit Lesotho.

Precies waar het tehuis van Thabang staat waren ze aan het protesteren.  Toen ik dat las kreeg ik het helemaal warm …..   

Hieronder een paar stukjes die ik heb gelezen op het weblog van de manager van het tehuis:

15 augustus:

“Today was the first day of the strike (stay away day of the factory) and it did not remain peaceful. Three people were shot and one was fatal. There were rocks flying and tires burning and they even created a road block at the end of our road to prevent either people or police from traveling by the factories (protesters made the road block, not the police). A few of our staff spent the night here so they would not have to travel through the dangerous crowds who had gathered to protest. Several others are pulling a double shift so that our drivers are not required to drive by the factories to pick up our staff. All this is happening in Ha Thetsane and that is where we are living so we ask for prayer that the strike will end soon and that no one else will be shot or injured in the next few days. I understand their desperation as they already make such little money and the taxi prices being raised is going to really hurt those who are already poor and barely making it.”

17 augustus:

“There were two more shootings yesterday. And, protesters were pulling people out of their houses and beating them, if they were found to have gone to work. One of our staff had to dress in disguise so that he could make it to work. We sent most of our staff home early yesterday so that they would be safely there when the tension level was set to rise (3-5 pm was anticipated to be the most tense hours, as that is when the factories were to let out).

Today happily started off quiet, but we are not sending the van into town for fear of the protesters either injuring the vehicle or even shooting at our staff in the van. Sounds rough, but anyone that is perceived to not be following the "stay away" policy is considered to be against them. (Even though they would agree that an orphanage cannot stop its operations).

Happily, the orphanage has been able to keep a low profile through this and we have not had any incidences during this time. All our staff are safe and staying out of the politics.”

24 augustus:

“There is peace in Lesotho again. The march on Monday was peaceful which was an answer to prayer. I do not know the outcome of anything that brought on the strike and the march. I do not know if the people will get a raise in pay. I will at least inform you that there is peace and everyone is back to work.”

Pfff, gelukkig is de rust weer terug in Lesotho!