By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Wandile Dludlu, the Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO),has urged the European Union(EU) and other diplomatic partners not to sanction eSwatini as a country,but King Mswati and his trusted servants who violate human rights including the killing of civilians.

Mswati rules the Kingdom of eSwatini as an absolute Monarch with Executive,Judicial and Legislative powers, political parties are banned from participating in elections.

The European Parliament passed a resolution this week,urging the EU to consider suspending funding to eSwatini amid the killing of civilians including human rights defenders.

Speaking to this Swaziland News current affairs programme on Friday,the PUDEMO Secretary General said the sanctions should target politicians like Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku, Heads of Security forces and other individuals who are playing a role in the ongoing killing of civilians including human rights defenders.The PUDEMO leader said Mswati stole public funds that were hidden in other countries including Europe. He urged the EU to ground Mswati’s private jets,ban him and his family from travelling to European countries and subsequently freeze his accounts.

“We must not advocate for sanctions against the country but smart targeted sanctions against Mswati,his family and some of his trusted servants that include bo-Themba Masuku. We appreciate the resolution by the European Parliament but we appeal for targeted sanctions against Mswati and his servants.The money Mswati stole is too much,he can’t spend it here that’s why he likes travelling,”said the PUDEMO Secretary General.

On another note, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said government valued every aspect of the European Union’s friendly advice.

“The EU is generally a highly valued strategic partner and a friend to the Kingdom of Eswatini. The EU as a bloc has fallen and risen with the Kingdom of Eswatini on many strategic and developmental aspects. Therefore, the Government of Eswatini values every aspect of their friendly advice,” said the Government Spokesperson.