By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Senator Themba Masuku, the Acting Prime Minister says Government will ensure the safety of security officers amid ongoing killings.

Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, the Deputy Prime Minister(DPM)who was holding the Prime Minister’s position on acting basis during the killing of civilians by Mswati’s security forces in June 2021,did not address the issue of a political dialogue.

“His Majesty’s Government would like to take this opportunity to assure the Nation that drastic and practical steps are being implemented by all the security forces to ensure the safety and protection of emaSwati across the country. Government is mobilising all resources at her disposal to enable the security forces to perform their respective national duties to contain the scourge of violence and protect all emaSwati and their properties as well as to safeguard the interests and sovereignty of Kingdom of Eswatini,” said the Acting Prime Minister when speaking during a press conference held at the Cabinet offices.

Reached for comments, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF) said the sentiments of the Acting PM suggests that the King was preparing to engage in a civil war with the people.

”What we are seeing now is no longer about the refusal to engage in a political dialogue but a failure of leadership. Any leader who cares about the welfare and the prosperity of his people will actually think seriously when the people ask for a peaceful transition,”said the MSF Chairperson.