Statement by The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth on her concern over the ongoing civil unrest in the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Commonwealth’s readiness to work with the Government and the people of Eswatini, as well as regional and international partners, to help resolve the situation.
In discussions with His Majesty King Mswati III, the Secretary General expressed the Commonwealth family’s concerns over the ongoing violence and its consequent effects on peace and security in the Kingdom, including the loss of lives and the destruction of property, as well as the impact on the rights of children to education given the current closure of schools.
SG Scotland noted, with appreciation, the presence on the ground of a SADC delegation deployed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, acting in his capacity as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, to support peaceful means of resolving the crisis. She is further encouraged by His Majesty’s call for peaceful engagement in resolving differences and his public commitment to national dialogue, as reiterated through members of Cabinet.
The Secretary General underscored the need to expedite the national dialogue process and that this process should be inclusive and collaborative so as to enjoy the confidence of all emaSwati. She reassured His Majesty of the Commonwealth’s enduring commitment to working with all relevant parties and the region to support such a process in order to help restore socio-political cohesion, stability and sustainable development in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
