Lesotho LGBTQ Organization Disputes U.S. Funding Claims Made by Trump
The People’s Matrix of Lesotho denied receiving eight million dollars in U.S. funding claimed by President Trump. They stated unawareness of such an allocation and mentioned that no LGBTQ funding is noted in U.S. assistance records. Instead, aid focuses on health initiatives, particularly HIV/AIDS, in the country, as citizens express confusion over Trump’s remarks.
On Wednesday, the People’s Matrix, Lesotho’s principal LGBTQ rights organization, refuted claims of receiving eight million dollars in U.S. funding as asserted by President Donald Trump. During his address to Congress, Trump referenced a past U.S. aid initiative that purportedly allocated this sum to promote LGBTQI+ rights in Lesotho, a nation of which he remarked, “nobody has ever heard of.”
Tampose Mothopeng, spokesperson for People’s Matrix, clarified to AFP, “We are not receiving grants from the U.S.” He further emphasized their lack of knowledge regarding the allocation of the eight million dollars, stating, “We do not know who received or is going to receive that money.” Mothopeng added, “We do not have such money or a contract that would even reach a quarter of half of that money.”
As per the U.S. government’s foreign assistance webpage, there is no record of financial support for LGBTQ rights in Lesotho. However, it indicates an approximate expenditure of 120 million dollars for health and population programs in 2024, which includes 43.5 million dollars dedicated to combatting HIV/AIDS. The mountainous nation’s HIV prevalence is notably high, with nearly one in four residents affected.
The U.S. embassy in Lesotho revealed that since 2006, over 630 million dollars have been invested into anti-HIV/AIDS initiatives in the country. Amidst the cessation of U.S. foreign aid, more than 30 non-governmental organizations recently cautioned that Lesotho’s HIV programs faced significant risk of disruption.
Citizens reacted with bewilderment to Trump’s remarks, as they awoke to news on Wednesday. Journalist and activist Kananelo Boloetse quipped on social media, “Do you know what Kingdom in the Sky is? I guess not, too busy golfing to notice. Lesotho’s the only country in the world entirely above 1,000 metres elevation, higher than your approval ratings ever got. We’re here, we’re proud, and we’re not your punchline.”
In summary, the People’s Matrix in Lesotho has denied claims of receiving U.S. funding as alleged by President Trump. The organization emphasized their unawareness of the purported eight million dollars, and there is no documented support for LGBTQ rights in U.S. foreign assistance records. The current focus of U.S. support appears to be on health initiatives, especially combating the high rates of HIV/AIDS in the nation. Citizens have expressed confusion and frustration regarding Trump’s comments, reinforcing their national pride and resilience.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
