‘Plot underway to assassinate Swaziland absolute monarch’, international defence journal reports

Mercenaries from Israel and Lebanon are plotting to assassinate King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of Swaziland (eSwatini), the Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy journal reported.

The journal published by the International Strategic Studies Association said the plot was supported by the African National Congress (ANC) which is the governing party in South African, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the Government of the United Kingdom.

The journal reported (Vol. 47, No. 11/12, 2019) the mercenaries entered Swaziland in November 2019 but were unable immediately to get to the King because he was in seclusion as part of the annual Incwala ceremonies.

Swaziland is not a democracy and political parties are barred from taking part in elections. Groups that advocate for democracy are banned under the Suppression of Terrorism Act. The King chooses the Prime Minister and cabinet and top judges. 

Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy journal reported the plot was backed by the UK because it ‘had reportedly been promised concessions to exploit eSwatini reserves of diamonds and natural gas, among other things, in a “post-Mswati” eSwatini. Sensitive UK Government documents confirm that understanding.’

It added, ‘Significant external financial and political support for the revolutionaries has not brought about a national groundswell against the King. The Umbutfo eSwatini Defence Force (UEDF) and the Swati chiefs and peoples reaching into South Africa (including the Johannesburg region, traditionally Swati territory) remain passionately loyal to the King.’

The journal offered no evidence to support its reporting. It gave this analysis of why eSwatini was important globally.

‘Presently, despite its size, it is a pillar of stability relative to South Africa itself, given that collapse of the South African state is a possibility, even as soon as 2020. And Southern Africa is key to monitoring and control of the Cape of Good Hope sea route. South Africa is presently a key component of the PRC’s strategy to control sea lanes and ports globally. 

‘Moreover, eSwatini is the only country in Africa which still recognizes the Republic of China (ROC: Taiwan), rather than the PRC. If South Africa falls apart and an independent KwaZulu-Natal returned eSwatini's access to the Indian Ocean, this would significantly affect maritime strategies in the region. As well, the Zulu Kingdom itself may not necessarily recognize Beijing.’ 

The International Strategic Studies Association founded in 1982 and based in Washington DC describes itself as a worldwide membership Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of professionals involved in national management, particularly in national and international security and strategic policy.

See also

‘Attempted coup in Swaziland’

https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/2015/07/attempted-coup-in-swaziland.html

PM SPEAKS OF ‘ASSASSINATION THREAT’

Swaziland’s Prime Minister, Barnabas Dlamini said a member of parliament wants him assassinated.

He said this in a statement on Thursday (4 April 2018) while responding to a move by the Swazi House of Assembly to have him charged with contempt of parliament. The motion has not yet appeared.

The Times of Swaziland, the only independent daily newspaper in the kingdom ruled by King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch, reported, ‘It is believed that the assassination insinuations stem from the fact that during the December 11 debate, MP Sikhumbuzo [Dlamini] had stated that it was a pity that the PM’s security was that from the Royal Swaziland Police who were the same people who had to arrest him. 

‘He said the PM should be guarded by a private security company.’

The Times added, ‘The tension between the two started last year when the PM, during the official opening of the Sigwe Post Office, advised the elderly to register to be paid their grants and not listen to some people, particularly MPs who had by that time “boycotted” House business until the issue of the grants was sorted. 

‘At that point, Cabinet also resolved to keep away from Parliament as they stated that there was no money as yet to pay the elderly who had turned 60 last year.’

The Swazi Observer reported on Friday (6 April 2018) the premier said MP Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, ‘insinuated that the prime minister should be assassinated’.

The Observer reported the Prime Minister saying, ‘If my life is threatened with assassination, I will discuss it in and outside Parliament.’

Prime Minister Dlamini has been under attack from parliamentarians in the past because they believe he ‘over-steps’ his authority. In Swaziland the Prime Minister is not elected by the people or by other members of parliament. He is appointed by the King. He considers himself to be the representative of the King.

He is on public record saying, ‘Government listens when His Majesty speaks and we will always implement the wishes of the King and the Queen Mother.’ The PM said Cabinet’s position was that it respected His Majesty’s position on all matters he spoke about. 

Dlamini has served two separate periods as Prime Minister. His present appointment dates from 2008. In 2016, King Mswati granted Dlamini unlimited power to intervene in the business of any government department. The move came after the President of the Swazi Senate Gelane Zwane, questioned the power of the Prime Minister.

Zwane was not elected to office and was directly appointed by the King.

The change was tabled in the Swazi Parliament on 22 February 2016 although the legal notice had been signed by the King in November 2015.

The Times of Swaziland reported at the time that the King had revoked the Assignment of Responsibilities to Ministers Notice 2009 which had been in force since the current ministries were set up. 

The new legal notice N0.189 of 2015 was signed by the King on 10 November 2015 at Lozitha Palace. It confirms S70 of the Swaziland Constitution which states, ‘The King may, after consultation with the Prime Minister, assign to the Prime Minister or any other Minister responsibility for the conduct of any business of the Government including the administration of any department of Government.’

The Times reported, ‘When asked by this reporter why he had waited so long to table the Legal Notice or working instrument, the PM said it had always been his intention to table it in Parliament and that is why his office had even bounded it to make it presentable to the legislators. 

‘“However, with the sudden turn of events when my responsibilities have been questioned by the Senate President, Gelane Zwane, I also felt it was proper to inform the legislators as early as possible,” said Dlamini.’

This was a reference to an on-going dispute between the Prime Minister and the Senate President about the powers of the PM. In a speech at the opening of the Swazi Parliament on 12 February 2016 Zwane warned the PM about taking powers that were not his and said he was only ‘chairman of cabinet and leader of government business in parliament’.

See also

KING IN TOTAL CONTROL OF HIS KINGDOM

https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/king-in-total-control-of-his-kingdom.html

SPEAKER SLAPS DOWN ILLEGAL PM

https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/speaker-slaps-down-illegal-pm.html

 

SWAZI PM DLAMINI’S DUBIOUS RECORD

https://swazimedia.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/swazi-pm-dlaminis-dubious-record.html