Victoria Sethunya, a Lesotho native in Idaho, criticized President Trump’s comments about her homeland made during a congressional address. She highlighted her disappointment in his portrayal of Lesotho and emphasized the importance of recognizing the country’s history and culture. The U.S. maintains diplomatic relations with Lesotho and has contributed significantly to HIV/AIDS efforts, although there are concerns regarding the allocation of funding to LGBTQ+ organizations.
Victoria Sethunya, a native of Lesotho residing in the Treasure Valley, expressed her disapproval of President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding her homeland. During a joint address to Congress, Trump mispronounced Lesotho’s name and suggested it was an obscure nation known by few. This prompted Sethunya to stage a protest at the Idaho State Capitol, where she recited the national anthem of Lesotho and translated its heartfelt lyrics.
Having left Lesotho in the 1990s due to political conflict and war, Sethunya now works as a teacher and is pursuing her Ph.D. in mathematics. She has articulated her disappointment at the President’s comments, stating, “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 United States and Lesotho established diplomatic relations in 1966, fostering positive bilateral ties over the years. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has contributed approximately one billion dollars towards combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Lesotho over two decades.
However, media reports indicate that Lesotho’s leading LGBTQ+ rights organization has not benefited from the $8 million mentioned by the President. The country’s foreign minister noted, during a conversation with NPR, that USAID funds typically support non-government organizations, and reductions in HIV/AIDS funding pose significant challenges. He extended an invitation to President Trump to visit Lesotho to gain firsthand insight into the country.
In conclusion, Victoria Sethunya’s protest against President Trump’s remarks highlights the importance of accurately representing nations and their histories. The long-standing U.S.-Lesotho relationship has considerable implications, particularly in health initiatives like the fight against HIV/AIDS. Yet, issues regarding funding allocation require attention, demonstrating the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding between countries.
Original Source: idahonews.com
