On 16th June 2017, Dr. Motsoahae Thanbane was inaugurated as the new Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, at the Sesotho Stadium in the Capital city Maseru. Their Majesties King Letsie III and Queen 'Masenate Mohato Seeiso, the outgoing Prime Minister Mr. And Mrs. Pakalitha Mosisili, Prime Minister of Swaziland Dr. Sibusiso Dlamini, who was the Special representative of King Mswati III (Chairperson of Southern African Development Community, SADC), Zambian President Mr. Edgar Lungu, South Africa Deputy President and SADC Facilitator Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, diplomatic envoys, representatives of Lesotho political parties and tens of thousands from the public were present at the ceremony. The Chinese Ambassador Dr. Sun Xianghua attend the inauguration on invitation.
Dr. Thabane took the oath led by the Chief Justice Ms. Majara, before he received the National flag and Constitution of Lesotho from Dr. Mosisili as a symbol of transfer of governmental power.
In his inauguration speech, Dr. Thabane regarded the regime hand-over as a milestone in the Basotho history. He expressed expectation that his government could complete a normal 5-year tenure, promised to reinforce the rule of law, democracy and human rights, promote peace, reconciliation and unity in Lesotho, and push forward the inclusive reforms in political, security, administration and constitutional sectors. As for the economy growth, Dr. Thabane highlighted the development of infrastructures, agriculture and tourism, and committed to relieve high unemployment, improve people's likelihoods and achieve economic transformation and sustainable development.
President Lungu and Prime Minister Dlamini both commended Lesotho for its peaceful, free, fair and transparent snap election recognized the peaceful and smooth regime hand-over as a symbol of consolidated democracy.
Following the inauguration, King Letsie III catered the distinguished guests by a feast at his palace.