Zinhle Matsenjwa
Ludzidzini – King Mswati III has reportedly informed the Sadc Secretariat that the situation is calm and there is stability in Eswatini.
This was disclosed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, at Ludzidzini Royal Residence this week when he paid a courtesy call on the King.
Prior to his address, the King said it was important to maintain peace and stability in the region, so that the people could develop their economies in a conducive environment. He appreciated the visit of the Sadc Executive Secretary and his team as they would share a lot of issues about Eswatini since the world was facing conflicts. He said they had discussed how best they could work on maintaining peace and stability in the country.
The King said they were aware of regional peace and stability imperatives and as a nation, they needed to adhere to these.
On the other hand, the Sadc Executive Secretary said Eswatini was an important member State of the organisation and it contributed in many ways. He said Eswatini contributed when Sadc gave support to Mozambique.
“Peace and stability (are) critical. I was pleased when (King Mswati III) shared that the situation had calmed and that there was stability in the kingdom,” Magosi said.
He emphasised that it was important to maintain peace and stability. He added that peaceful engagements should be preserved and natured. It was worth noting that there had been a political unrest in the country which escalated in June/July 2021, where there were protest actions countrywide and it culminated in violence, vandalism of property and looting of private and public properties, including businesses, some of which were torched.
In the process, dozens of emaSwati were shot dead, allegedly by members of the State security organs, and some of those who were affected were left with permanent disabilities.
Thereafter, there were several attacks which were carried out by unknown people and they included arson attacks and shooting of members of the State security organs. Some of them (members of the State security organs), mainly police, were shot dead. This started when some emaSwati called for political reforms in the country. – Times of Swaziland
