Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Thabane could resign as early as June, he said on Thursday.

In a televised speech that sounded like his final address as prime minister, he said: "I took the decision to retire from office voluntarily despite the fact that my constitutional term is due to end in 2022. As I did indicate in January, the job of prime minister requires sensory perception as well as rapid and physical strength.

"Due to my age, I am no longer as energetic as I used to be. As such, I have decided to voluntarily vacate office and hand over the reins of government in accordance with the laws of Lesotho.

"I have always been consistent that it is my wish to retire from office by the 31st of July, 2020, or earlier date of the 12th June 2020, if all the necessary conditions for my retirement are put in place."

Thabane said one significant step leading to his retirement has been completed with the enactment of the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution.

The Ninth Amendment gives parliament a more meaningful role in its dissolution. It also provides for a mechanism for the appointment of a new prime minister where the prime minister dies while in office or resigns, depending on the period left before the next general elections.

"As a result, government and the political party that I lead, will co-ordinate the process of my retirement in a mature manner and with a view to ensuring the continued stability of Lesotho as well as guaranteeing that our country is on a good course to reconciliation, unity and economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that is wreaking havoc in the world today," he said.

He said he wished all the preparations could be finalised as soon as possible and ahead of the deadline he had set.

"As we work towards that goal, allow me to humbly appeal to the entire leadership of Basotho to work for peace and unity. May the decisions that we take as leaders and all our actions not be motivated by hatred, vengeance, greed or selfish personal ambitions. In everything we do, may we be consumed by the love that we have for Basotho and Lesotho."

Thabane, 80, has been under pressure to resign since the murder of his former wife, Lipolelo Thabane, on June 14, 2017. He and his current wife, Maesiah, are implicated in the murder of Lipolelo, a charge they have denied.

The embattled leader called on opposition parties not to use his retirement for political goal-scoring.

"Indeed, it is not your hatred for me as a person that will transform Lesotho's political, social and economic trajectory, but it is your selfless acts of kindness, love and compassion for Basotho, as well as hard work that will usher in an era of true freedom and prosperity for Lesotho. Continue to channel all your efforts towards supporting the ongoing national reforms process in order to cement the prospects for a stable, prosperous and secure Lesotho for future generations," he said.