MBABANE: Cleopas Sipho Dlamini,the former Prime Minister(PM) of eSwatini would systematically take an international trip or delegate powers to his Deputy Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku every-time a need arise to convene a press conference and issue a controversial government statement that resulted to the loss of innocent lives.
As a result,Dlamini whose short term of office officially ended on 27th September 2023 left office without blood on his hands, he was appointed in July 2021 after the death of Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini.
The appointment came shortly after the killing of innocent civilians amid calls for democracy on or around 29th June 2021 and the order was allegedly issued by King Mswati while Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku banned the delivery of petitions and stated that,security forces will deal with protestors.
“We are celebrating the many milestones we have achieved as a country but we are also aware of the challenges that confronted us”, said former Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini in his End of Term Statement.
On another note,King Mswati urged the Nation to support the newly appointed Prime Minister Mmiso Russel Dlamini.
Addressing the Nation on Friday at Ludzidzini Palace during Sibaya national gathering the King said,the new PM will address issues of poverty among others adding that, the country was faced with social and economic disasters.
“No one is perfect, the new Prime Minister needs advice and guidance from you”, said the King.
On another note, King Mswati said, the country was struggling with corruption, escalating prices of basic commodities in a country affected by issues of poverty. He said the new PM must work towards addressing the challenges affecting the people.
Eswatini is fresh from a political unrest that was triggered by among others,calls for democracy,an increase in basic commodities prices and the ongoing human rights violations.
The political unrest erupted after the police brutally killed Thabani Nkomonye, a University of eSwatini law student, hundreds of students marched to Matsapha Police Station demanding “Justice for Thabani” and the police responded by shooting the students as the protests intensified.
Former PM Cleopas Dlamini.