ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has condemned the killing of Lesotho's Army Commander, Lieut. Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso on Tuesday.
According to an AU statement on Thursday, the Chairperson has expressed "deep concern over the potential destabilizing consequences of this barbarous act on the peace that Lesotho enjoys, following a successful conduct of democratic elections."
The Chairperson has further expressed "great concern at the fact that this gruesome incident takes place hardly two years after the assassination of Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao in June 2015."
He has called on the parties in Lesotho to resolve political differences through peaceful means, within the framework of the country's constitution.
Calling for calm and restraint, the chairperson has urged the government to institute an investigation into the matter.
He has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the government and the people of Lesotho.
The Chairperson urges the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to immediately engage the government of Lesotho to explore ways and means of resolving all outstanding issues, including, but not limited to the implementation of the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Inquiry to Lesotho that was established following the killing of Lt. General Maaparankoe Mahao in 2015, according to the statement.
