Lesotho Native Victoria Sethunya Critiques Trump’s Remarks on Her Homeland
Victoria Sethunya, a Lesotho native, criticizes President Trump’s remarks about her homeland, expressing disappointment over his mispronunciation and dismissal. She protests by reciting the national anthem and emphasizes the depth of Lesotho’s history. Lesotho maintains diplomatic ties with the U.S., receiving substantial aid, but the LGBTQ+ rights organization has reportedly not received promised funding.
Victoria Sethunya, a native of Lesotho residing in the Treasure Valley, has expressed her discontent regarding President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about her homeland. During a joint address to Congress, Trump mispronounced the nation’s name and dismissed it as an obscure place.
In protest, Sethunya gathered at the Idaho State Capitol, where she recited the lyrics of Lesotho’s national anthem, stating, “Lesotho the land of our fathers, among the worlds it is a beautiful one. That is where we were born. That is where we grew up. We love it.”
Having left Lesotho in the 1990s due to political unrest, Sethunya is now a teacher and a Ph.D. candidate in mathematics. She articulated her concerns, remarking, “How does the president of this big country make a false statement like that? Your dismissal reeks of a failure to understand the depth of a people’s history, culture, struggles, and triumphs.”
The U.S. government has maintained diplomatic relations with Lesotho since 1966, fostering productive ties. Moreover, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has allocated nearly one billion dollars over two decades to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Lesotho.
Media reports convey that Lesotho’s principal LGBTQ+ rights organization has yet to receive the $8 million cited by President Trump. The foreign minister disclosed to NPR that USAID funds are predominantly directed toward non-governmental organizations, and reductions to HIV/AIDS funding could prove detrimental. He also extended an invitation to President Trump to visit Lesotho and gain firsthand understanding of the nation.
Victoria Sethunya’s response to President Trump’s comments underscores the profound cultural and historical significance of Lesotho. Her protest highlights concerns regarding the misrepresentation of her homeland and the implications of funding cuts affecting critical health initiatives. Furthermore, the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Lesotho emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation.
Original Source: idahonews.com
