As Lesotho celebrates 58 years of independence and 200 years since the founding of the nation, the Embassy of France in South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi, the Alliance française de Maseru, in collaboration with the Morija Museum & Archives, created The Kingdom in the Sky: Moshoeshoe’s strategy and legacy. The eight-minute documentary that delves into the origins of Lesotho, highlighting the wisdom and leadership of King Moshoeshoe I.
Watch The Kingdom in the Sky here
In the 1820s, Moshoeshoe led his people on the mountain stronghold of Thaba Bosiu, where he united diverse groups to form the modern Basotho nation. Inspired by the teachings of the philosopher Mohlomi, Moshoeshoe embraced principles of tolerance and diplomacy, allowing his kingdom to thrive amidst external threats.
The film traces Moshoeshoe’s strategic alliance with three French missionaries, who arrived in 1833 and played a pivotal role in Lesotho’s survival. Led by Eugene Casalis, these missionaries offered counsel that helped Moshoeshoe navigate conflicts with settlers, resulting in a historic treaty with the British in 1843 and, eventually, the establishment of Lesotho as a British protectorate in 1868.
Drawing on archival material from the Morija Museum & Archives, The Kingdom in the Sky explores how Moshoeshoe’s foresight secured Lesotho’s sovereignty, laying the foundation for the modern nation that exists today.
“King Moshoeshoe’s visionary leadership and the guidance of the French missionaries continue to inspire us, reminding us that the ties between our nations are built on mutual respect” Ambassador of France to Lesotho, David Martinon, said.
Morija Museum & Archives: A cooperation project between Lesotho and France
In honor of Lesotho’s bicentennial, Ambassador Martinon travelled to the mountain kingdom to present The Kingdom in the Sky to King Letsie III. A special screening of the film was held at the Alliance Française de Maseru on 2 October 2024, celebrating the enduring cultural and diplomatic ties between Lesotho and France.
As part of the festivities, a unique Franco-Basotho blanket, called Lithabeng Harmonie, was designed through a national call for Basotho designers. The blanket’s name, Lithabeng, meaning “Kingdom in the Sky”, and Harmonie, symbolising the mutual respect between France and Lesotho, reflects the friendship between the two nations. Ambassador Martinon presented the blanket to King Letsie III as a tribute to the shared cultural heritage and unity.
“The shared history between France and Lesotho is a testament to the strength of diplomacy and cultural exchange. As we celebrate Lesotho’s 200 years, it is deeply moving to reflect on the bond forged through our historic partnership,” Ambassador Martinon said.
This project, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, underscores the collaborative efforts to preserve heritage and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two nations. It is part of a broader initiative titled Morija Museum & Archives: A Revealed Heritage That Traces a Common History Between Lesotho and France.
This cooperation project, led by the Morija, Lesotho-based museum in partnership with the French Institute of South Africa, highlights the significance of Basotho archives in preserving Lesotho’s rich history.
For more information, please contact:
Tristan Roussignol Retif
Embassy of France spokesperson
Email: tristan.roussignol@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Cell: +27 (0) 82 610 2953
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