by SAMBULO DLAMINI
MBABANE – THE Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) has criticised the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for what it calls the continued endorsement of King Mswati III’s authoritarian rule in Eswatini.
In a statement made available to CAJ News Africa, the CPS expressed concern over SADC’s recent decision to appoint Mswati as deputy chairperson of the SADC Political Organ Troika and to recommend him for a seat on the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council. The party said such moves undermine the regional bloc’s credibility as a promoter of democracy and human rights.
“Mswati’s rule is authoritarian, marked by political repression, economic inequality, and the denial of basic freedoms,” CPS said.
“By elevating him to influential positions, SADC legitimises dictatorship and alienates pro-democracy forces in Eswatini.”
The party further warned that continued repression in Eswatini could destabilise the broader Southern African region.
It accused SADC of prioritising political expediency over its stated principles of democracy, peace, and stability.
CPS called on SADC to engage directly with pro-democracy activists and to support political reform in Eswatini, stressing that consistency is vital for the bloc’s credibility.
“The region needs leaders who uphold democratic principles, not those who suppress them,” the CPS concluded.
– CAJ News
