MBABANE:King Mswati, an absolute Monarch, allegedly ‘snubbed’ the ongoing United States(US) Africa Business Summit held in Botswana, amid threats of a protest by the Federation of Trade Unions in that country.
It has been disclosed that, about two(2) weeks ago, the Botswana Workers Federation, wrote to the US Embassy in that country, expressing concerns regarding the proposed participation of Mswati in the Summit.
The Botswana Workers Federation accused the King of violating workers rights in eSwatini.
“As you are aware, the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU) is dedicated to safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers in Botswana and across Africa. In line with our commitment, we felt compelled to express our deep concern about the participation of H. M. King Mswati III in the summit, given the ongoing human rights abuses and suppression of trade union rights in Eswatini,” reads the statement in part.
But, the confusion on whether the King will participate in the Summit or not, ended on Tuesday afternoon after Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo released a statement informing the Nation that Prime Cleopas Dlamini will be representing the King.
“His Excellency the Right Honorable Prime Minister, Cleopas Sipho Dlamini, has left the country for Botswana where he will represent His Majesty King Mswati III and the Nation at the 15th U.S- Africa Business Summit of the Corporate Council on Africa(CCA)”, reads the statement in part.
Mswati, an absolute Monarch is on international spotlight amid human rights violations in this tiny Kingdom of eSwatini.
Senator Christopher Coons, the Chairperson of the United States(US) Congress Foreign Relations Committee recently tabled Resolution 174 that seeks to, among others, impose targeted sanctions on those violating human rights in eSwatini.
The Resolution was approved by the Foreign Relations Committee and is highly expected to be debated by the US Congress.
King Mswati(sourced via IOL).