Moshoeshoe II of Lesotho

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Moshoeshoe II (May 2, 1938 - January 15, 1996) was the paramount chief of Lesotho, succeeding paramount chief Seeiso from 1960 until it gained full independence from Britain in 1966. He was king of Lesotho from 1966 until his death in 1996. His political power was always limited, having his reign interrupted twice. Early in his reign, Leabua Jonathan became Prime Minister of Lesotho and gained control of the government. Jonathan deposed Moshoeshoe in 1970 in order to reestablish his control in the country after his party lost the election. Moshoeshoe went into temporary exile in the Netherlands. A few months later, when he gained control, Jonathan allowed Moshoeshoe to reassume the title of king. 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. Moshoeshoe went to exile in the United Kingdom. Moshoeshoe was able to become king again in 1995. The following year 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.

Preceded by Himself as Paramount Chief

King of Lesotho 1966-1970

Succeeded by Deposed

Preceded by Himself, Deposed

King of Lesotho 1970-1990

Succeeded by Letsie III

Preceded by Letsie III

King of Lesotho 1995-1996

Succeeded by Letsie III