By Wandile Dludlu.

One of the characteristics of an independent State is Sovereignty, this being the supreme right as a State to self-rule and autonomy before the world.

This is what defines our being and self-determination amongst other States in the world, in other words Sovereignty is what affords us a seat not only in the United Nations(UN) but literally in all other multilateral structures in the region and globally. 

But under His Majesty King Mswati and the Tinkhundla misrule, we’ve observed that our Sovereignty turns to be abused in a not only fraudulent fashion but, self enriching escapade by the King, his family members and close Cabinet and business associates. 

This has been seen in clandestine establishment of diplomatic relationships with other States, through royal business meetings than through legally laid down and foreign affairs channels.

This has landed us into very corrupt elite international and political debacle such as the former President of Zambia Edgar Lungu and Swazi business underhand dealings. 

We as a country, literally feature in movie like Pablo Escobar scene, we’ve once again carried the Taiwan United Nations admission advocacy at New York during the General Assembly session. 

We are stubbornly advancing this lonely adventurist jungle journey even against the very UN “One China Policy Resolutions” but worse interfering with the domestic affairs of another Sovereign State, the People's Republic of China. 

This is because not only our Head of State draws direct financial benefit and business interests in the dealings with the Province of Mainland. 

Ironically this posture gravitates against our long standing none Aligned Movement association suggesting that, we don’t interfere with domestic affairs of other Sovereign States.

We’ve seen equally how shady characters, corrupt arrest evading President’s and former leaders use our territorial integrity as a Nation for their safety and safe keep of proceeds from very questionable background. 

We’ve become a safe bank for ill-begotten wealth for drugs lord syndicates, tinpot despots like Equatorial Guinea family in leadership.

Indeed, our country has become a second home to these family, whose stolen wealth is being forfeitured in countries serious about fighting corruption like France. 

We know of the arrest facing former President of Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) Joseph Kabila, recently died former President of Zambia Edgar Lungu, Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar and paper tiger Kings, all these people share one common thing, their track record is marred with corruption and questionable performance in Office. 

A million dollar question should linger in our minds as emaSwati; why is King Mswati always a very close friend and associate of shady controversy rigged leaders and characters in our name and Sovereignty as a State and people?.

But all the aforementioned examples ought to assist us appreciate how big and messy our Sovereignty and territorial integrity as a Nation have been compromised by the King, royal family and its close diplomatic and political cabal with very questionable status.