File photo taken on Aug. 22, 2018 shows then Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane is interviewed in Maseru, Lesotho. Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane on Tuesday announced that he would finally be stepping down from office. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
JOHANNESBURG, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane on Tuesday announced that he would finally be stepping down from office.
"I come before you today to announce that the work that you assigned me may not be over but the time to retire from the great theatre of action, take leave from public life and office has finally arrived," he addressed the nation on national TV from the capital city of Maseru.
His resignation comes after a coalition he was leading was disbanded in parliament last week, paving way for a new coalition and a new prime minister.
For months, the 80-year-old had been under pressure to leave his position after being accused of involvement in the 2017 murder of his former wife, Lipolelo Thabane. His current wife is also a suspect in the murder case.
Current Finance Minister Moeketsi Majoro would be sworn in to take over from Thabane who pledged support to him.
Thabane would remain the leader of the All Basotho Convention (ABC) party. Thabane became the Prime Minister in 2017 and his term was set to end in 2022. He also held the office from June 2012 to March 2015. Enditem
