Kingdom of Lesotho, 1987
Following a military coup which deposed the ruling Basotho National Party (BNP) government which had led the country since independence, a new flag was adopted on 17 January 1987, replacing the old flag that was identified too closely with the BNP. The new flag displays the colours white, blue and green, with on the white field in light brown an assegai and knobkerrie in saltire, and a traditional Basotho shield with plumed spine. The colours represent the national motto: white for peace; blue for rain and green for prosperity.