Jeanne Marie Maloney, the woman who is set to become
the next United States Ambassador to Swaziland (eSwatini), has pledged to press
the kingdom on political reform.
She told a US Senate
Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing that if her nomination for
the position was confirmed, ‘I will continue to engage broadly on the need for
political reform, open discourse, transparency, and inclusivity.’
She added, ‘I am committed to working to improve
democracy, governance, and transparency, in order to help create an economic
climate that benefits the entire population.’
King Mswati III rules Swaziland as
an absolute monarch. Political parties are banned from taking part in elections
and the King appoints the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers. He also
appoints top judges and public servants.
If confirmed, as expected, Maloney would replace Ambassador
Lisa Peterson who has angered
the King’s supporters by publicly calling for political parties to be
allowed to contest elections and for highlighting the lavish
lifestyles of the King and members of his family while the majority of
Swazi people live in abject poverty. She has also called for constitutional
changes to rein in the King.
Maloney told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on
Thursday (6 August 2020), ‘I will also seek to expand our dialogue with the
country’s youth, who make up more than half the population.’
She added, ‘The percentage of its population living in
poverty remains stubbornly high. If confirmed, it will be important to
coordinate with international organizations like the International Monetary
Fund and World Bank, as well as like-minded partners to help eSwatini create an
environment that fosters broad-based economic growth and opportunities for US
trade and investment.’
She said, ‘I will do my best to continue to strengthen
our partnership with the Government and the people of eSwatini in support of US
goals and interests.’
In a profile
published on the US Department of State website Maloney is described as a
career member of the Senior Foreign Service. She most recently served as the
Foreign Policy Advisor to the US Army Africa in Vicenza, Italy.
Previously, she was the Director of the Office of Security Affairs in the
Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs.
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Jeanne Marie Maloney
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Maloney has served in a broad range of leadership
positions over the course of her 26-year career. ‘Her knowledge of issues
affecting the African region, demonstrated record of leadership, and success
working with interagency and foreign partners make her well-qualified to serve
as US Ambassador to the Kingdom of eSwatini,’ the website states.
See also
U.S.
Ambassador to Swaziland wants constitutional change to stop King’s lavish
spending
U.S.
Ambassador to Swaziland renews criticism of King’s lavish spending while people
live in poverty
Threat
to censor U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland after criticism of King’s lavish
spending
U.S.
Ambassador calls for repeal of decree that makes Swaziland an absolute monarchy
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