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Lesotho 'coup' forces PM Thabane to South Africa | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
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 was in neighbouring South Africa and would return "as soon as I know I am not going to get killed." | |
Reports from Lesotho say the capital, Maseru, is now calm after soldiers seized key buildings. | |
Lesotho has seen a series of military coups since independence in 1966. | |
Mr Thabane has headed a unity government since but suspended parliament in June amid feuding in his coalition. | |
'Illegal coup' | |
"I have been removed from control not by the people but by the armed forces, and that is illegal," Mr Thabane said. | |
"I came into South Africa this morning and I will return as soon as my life is not in danger. | |
"I will not go back to Lesotho to get killed." | |
However, an army spokesman said the military "supports the democratically elected government of the day," Reuters news agency reported. | |
Earlier, troops were seen on the streets of Maseru and there were reports of gunfire. | |
Radio stations were taken off air and phone lines were cut, although later reports suggested they were back working. | |
Sports Minister Thesele Maseribane told AFP news agency that troops had surrounded State House, a key government building. | |
Geographically, Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa on all sides. | Geographically, Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa on all sides. |
Are you in Maseru or elsewhere in Lesotho? You can share your views and experiences by emailing Haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | Are you in Maseru or elsewhere in Lesotho? You can share your views and experiences by emailing Haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk |