MBABANE: Stephanie Sandoval, the Public Relations Officer(PRO) in the United States Embassy Eswatini has clarified that Ambassador Jeanne Marie Maloney was not in the vehicle that was shot by eSwatini soldiers.
Responding to questions from this Swaziland News, the US Embassy Spokesperson further mentioned that the deployment of Marines at Ezulwini should not be interpreted as meaning that the security of the diplomats including the Ambassador was at stake as Marines were always there to ensure their security.
“The diplomats were never unsafe, the marines have always been there to ensure their security , the shooting was just an isolated incident”, she said.
On another note, the Embassy denied that it facilitated the release of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress (NNLC) President Sibongile Mazibuko who was held by the police in Matsapha during a meeting for the Political Parties Assembly(PPA) that was dispersed by the security forces.
Reached for comments, Sibongile Mazibuko, the NNLC President said when the police grabbed her she called Simangele Mtsetfwa who promised to inform Bongani, an officer in the US Embassy about what was happening.
“A few minuets later after making that call, the police later became polite saying they will now escort me to my house, that’s why I have reasonable belief that I was saved by the Americans” ,she said.
Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom situated in Southern Africa is facing growing calls for democratic reforms, the country is ruled by King Mswati as an absolute Monarch with Executive, Judicial and Legislative powers. He appoints the Prime Minister, Ministers, a majority of Senators and all members of the various Governing Councils.
US Embassy in eSwatini.