…says nation is nearing collapse due to alleged royal “looting”
Tulani Ngwenya
MBABANE, eSwatini – In a scathing end-of-year statement, the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) has sounded the alarm on the dire state of affairs in eSwatini, decrying the alleged systematic looting of the country’s resources by King Mswati III and his regime.
The SSN accused the King of looting and treating eSwatini as his personal fiefdom, exploiting institutions like the eSwatini Revenue Authority for personal gain, leaving the national treasury depleted and the economy in shambles.
Efforts to get a comment from the eSwatini Palace on the matter prior to the publication of this story have been unsuccessful as enquiries have not been responded to. However, Africa News 24 pledges to publish the response once the authorities have responded.
“Looting, personal expenditure crippling essential services”
The SSN pointed to the collapse of eSwatini’s public health system, attributing it to the King’s prioritisation of personal expenditures over essential services. Hospitals and clinics were reportedly devoid of basic medical necessities, leading to a healthcare crisis. Additionally, the state-owned University of eSwatini had closed indefinitely due to a lack of operational funds, leaving students vulnerable.
The SSN accused King Mswati III of manipulating the political landscape through coerced elections and a rubber-stamp parliament, stifling genuine democratic expression. The statement addressed the Swazi people’s demand for democratic contestation of executive power and asked for a free and fair dialogue process to be facilitated by leaders within the Southern Development Community (SADC).
Economic cartel looting muscling out indigenous businesses
An economic cartel that is allegedly linked to King Mswati is allegedly using proxies to control major industries and is accused of forcing indigenous businesspeople out of the market. The SSN highlights legal challenges against the King’s alleged proxies by the Federation of eSwatini Business Community, signalling a shift in the consciousness of the country’s business class.
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The SSN demands justice for the murder of prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, who was shot in front of his family. The statement expresses concern over the lack of progress in the investigation and calls for the immediate release of incarcerated members of parliament, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, who questioned the effectiveness of the political system.
Amid the bleak outlook, the SSN pledges unwavering support to the people of Swaziland, urging them to unite and resist the oppressive regime.
The statement forecasts significant developments in 2024 and underscores the importance of global solidarity in the fight for a democratic society.