Moshoeshoe II

Moshoshue II (1938 - January 15, 1996) was the paramount chief of Lesotho from 1960 until it gained full independence from Britain in 1966. He was then king of Lesotho from 1966 until 1970, from 1970 until 1990 and from 1995 until his death. His political power was always limited. Early in his reign Leabua Jonathan became prime minister of Lesotho and gained control of the government. Jonathan deposed Moshoshoe in 1970 in order to reestablish his control in the country after his party nearly lost the election. Jonathan was deposed in 1986 and the king gained some power, but he was deposed in 1990, while his son Letsie III was forced to take his place as king. Moshoshoe was able to become king again in 1995. He was killed in a car accident on a mountain road, and Letsie became king again a month later. During the political turmoil of 1970 and 1990, and for a month after his death in 1996, his wife and Letsie's mother, Ma Mohato was regent.