The Basutoland African Congress (BAC) was founded in 1952 by Ntsu Mokhehle and Potlako Leballo.

Leballo left the party in 1959 to form the Pan Africanist Congress of South Africa (PAC).

It was denied power by a coup d'état in support of the defeated prime minister Leabua Jonathan.

The party won a landslide victory at the 1993 general election, and its leader Ntsu Mokhehle became prime minister.

The BCP was led by Tseliso Makhakhe, Qhobela Molapo, Ntsukunyane Mphanya and (currently) Thulo Mahlakeng.