Eswatini: Umbrella Democratic Change (UDC) – UDC Stands with the People of Eswatini (04.06.2021)

Eswatini: Economic Freedom Fighters – Swaziland (EFFSWA) – EFFSWA Statement on recent SADC Troika trip to Swaziland (04.07.2021)

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): EFF Demands Diplomatic Intervention in Eswatini amidst Protests for Democracy (04.07.2021)

Eswatini: Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) – Statement on the Swaziland Democratic Nurses Union on the Ongoing Political Unrest in the Country (01.07.2021)

Eswatini: Council of Swaziland Churches (CSC) – Council of Swaziland Churches Statement on the Current Crisis in Eswatini (02.07.2021)

Eswatini: Statement by Key Stakeholders on the Ongoing Crisis in eSWATINI (02.07.2021)

Eswatini: Diocese of Manzini – Bishop of Manzini – Statement (02.07.2021)

Eswatini: Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI) – SERI Condemns the use of Lethal Force against Peaceful Protestors in Eswatini (02.07.2021)

Eswatini: Acting Prime Minister’s Statement (01.07.2021)

Eswatini: The King who didn’t listen to his people

These days there are reports of martial law in Eswatini. There soldiers in the streets and people have killed for protesting. The King Mswati III who has been king since 1986 and there never any civilian elections. It is the King who decides who becomes the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. It is the king who appoints the judges and everything else.

The wealth of the nation is in and around the royal family of Eswatini. In the recent months there been already scandals rocking the Monarchy. As the authorities have used police brutality towards the citizens.

Now that the citizens wants democracy and ability to elect their representation. The King is retaliating with soldiers and martial law. Where people are not able to buy food, gas or get the basic goods.

The King could have gotten in good graces and kept his title easily by opening up for political reforms. That would weaken the role of the King and the Absolute Powers he has currently. However, the people would have participated and made a system working. There are other democracies who are kingdoms and where the kings are still respected. That should be the model of Eswatini too.

However, King Mswati is clearly weary and rather retaliate. As his worry of losing influence. When this assault, silencing the citizens and the aggressions boils down. He will have to answer for the loss of lives. He has also lost the standing with the population. The King isn’t the mighty and powerful man who takes care of his kingdom, but instead egotistically destroys people’s lives for personal gains.

The King could have listened and started reforms. Where he and the Royal Family would still have a place. Where the citizens would get an ability to decide who they see as fit to represent them. Where political parties could run campaigns and they could get seats or run the civilian government.

Now it is appointees that the King trusts and the ones he see fit. That means the government and cabinet isn’t in the public domain. They are just his puppets and that’s why the army is at his disposal. Instead of using the army at dangers of an invasion. It is used to kill civilians and hurt them.

The King has arrested the political leaders like the President of the Economic Freedom Fighters of Swaziland. Who is behind bars as well. That because they are supporting the ability to elect representation and have a multi-party democracy. The Swaziland Youth Congress claims that the authorities has killed 21 people since the demonstrations started.

This just show the sinister act of the King. He could have become a hero and a man who changed Eswatini for the better. Instead in fear of losing his wealth and power he goes after his own people. He should be the one they look up to and is the man who represents them. However, he rather keep up the old order of banning political parties since 1973.

It is time for change and for the King to listen. He should listen to the pleas of the citizens. The king is losing his prestige and also ensuring the public sentiment might turn totally against him. In such a manner, that they don’t only want a multi-party democracy, but might want a republic instead.

Since this guy is no different than a tyrant now. Why save the King and his Kingdom? When… the citizens can rather chose a head of state and have someone who be elected by them. That is what could easily happen over time. Especially, when he instead of listening to the protesters and demonstrators. Goes after the political leaders, issues martial law and kills civilians.

The King who doesn’t listen and who could lose everything. He could easily end up in exile and his royal family losing everything. Peace.