Victoria Sethunya, a Lesotho native, criticized President Trump’s remarks on Lesotho during a congressional address, expressing disappointment over his mispronunciation and dismissive comments. She protested at the Idaho State Capitol while reciting the national anthem. Sethunya emphasized the need for awareness of Lesotho’s rich history and culture, highlighting the significance of U.S. relations and funding challenges faced by the nation.
Victoria Sethunya, a Lesotho native residing in the Treasure Valley, has articulated her discontent with President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about her homeland. During a joint address to Congress, President Trump mispronounced the name of Lesotho, referencing it dismissively as “the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of.”
Sethunya, who emigrated from Lesotho in the 1990s due to political turmoil, expressed her sentiments at the Idaho State Capitol. Beginning her protest with a recitation of the national anthem, she translated the lyrics to convey her emotional connection: “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.”
As a mathematics teacher and Ph.D. candidate, Sethunya conveyed her disappointment, questioning how the President could make such a misleading statement. “Your dismissal reeks of a failure to understand the depth of a people’s history, culture, struggles, and triumphs,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of honoring the nation’s rich heritage.
The United States established diplomatic relations with Lesotho in 1966, which have remained beneficial ever since. Notably, 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.
Reports indicate that Lesotho’s main LGBTQ+ rights organization has yet to receive the $8 million funding referenced in the presidential address. The country’s foreign minister addressed NPR’s queries by noting that USAID allocations predominantly support non-governmental organizations and that the cuts in funding for HIV/AIDS programs represent a significant setback. He also extended an invitation to President Trump to visit Lesotho to gain a firsthand perspective of the nation.
In summary, Victoria Sethunya’s response to President Trump’s remarks underscores the deep cultural pride and rich history of Lesotho. Her protest not only highlights a notable misunderstanding by the President but reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the nation, particularly in relation to international funding for critical health initiatives. Sethunya’s invitation to the President to visit Lesotho illustrates a desire for greater awareness and appreciation of her homeland. Overall, this incident sheds light on the importance of understanding and respecting the histories and cultures of all nations, particularly those that may not be widely recognized on the global stage.
Original Source: idahonews.com
