MBABANE:King Mswati and his Government have been urged to establish a Multi-Stakeholder National Dialogue Committee that would work with SADC in facilitating the process of a national dialogue in the country without excluding proscribed political parties.
This is contained in a draft framework for an inclusive multi-stakeholder national dialogue recommended by the Southern African Development Community(SADC)as part of restoring peace and stability in the Kingdom of eSwatini.
Even though the report was prepared and allegedly presented to Government on or around February 2022, Mswati has been reluctant to start the process of the dialogue but continues to unleash soldiers and the police to shoot protesting civilians.
“In order to initiate the process of the multi-stakeholder national dialogue,a National Pre-
Dialogue Committee is proposed, whose main function will be as follows:Develop the criteria for the participation of key stakeholders relevant to the national dialogue, including the representatives on the Multi-stakeholder National Dialogue Committee, with the facilitation of the Panel of Elders, and the Mediation Reference Group supported by the SADC Secretariat.Identify and agree on the broad terms of reference for the inclusive multi- stakeholder national dialogue, with the assistance of the SADC Secretariat.Formulate and agree on the rules of procedure for the conduct of the national dialogue,”reads the report in part that was allegedly kept under wraps by Mswati’s Government.
Reached for comments, Eswatini Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said the Prime Minister would in due course, brief the Nation on any new developments with regards to the anticipated national dialogue and other related matters.
“Government, through His Excellency the Prime Minister, Cleopas Dlamini, will in due course, brief the nation on any new developments in regard to the anticipated national dialogue and related matters in and around the dialogue,” said the Government Spokesperson.
SADC further recommended that the National Dialogue Committee shall formulate and agree on the proposed code of conduct of the Multi- stakeholder National Dialogue and further attached a draft proposed code of conduct.
On another note,SADC said, “It is in the interests of inclusive dialogue, consideration be given to the participation of proscribed organizations. As recommended by most stakeholders,SADC may facilitate this inclusive national dialogue”.
Reached for comments,human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko said he was aware of the report adding that it dismisses accusations suggesting that the Southern African Development Community(SADC) was not doing anything to resolve the political situation in eSwatini.
“It appears SADC has done a lot on their part, the problem is the King and Government, they are the ones who seem unwilling to start the process.They are pushing the narrative of the dialogue at eSibayeni which this document does not seem to suggest, this document does not agree with the Sibaya contempt.It appears that the King is now pushing the narrative of the elections so that they shift the focus of the people from the dialogue to the elections. It would be unfortunate if Government conducts the elections before the issues facing the country are addressed. Our view is that we need to implement the points provided by SADC and see how far we can go,”said the human rights lawyer.
King Mswati.