EXCLUSIVE: Autocrat's visit could derail King Charles' coronation

Published by Craig Wilmann on March 27th 2023, 2:02pm

In an apparent blow for liberty and democracy, The Leaders Council understands that King Mswati III of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is planning to fly to the United Kingdom to attend the coronation of King Charles III.

This is despite the ongoing troubles in the world’s last remaining absolute monarchy, where according to Amnesty International, ‘dozens of people have been killed and many others tortured, detained or abducted.’

Pro-democracy protests started in Eswatini in June 2021 after the mysterious death of 25-year-old law student, Thabani Nkomonye, who is widely believed to have died at the hands of the police. Then, in late July, two Swazi members of parliament, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were arrested under the ’Suppression of Terrorism Act’. These arrests were described by Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, as a ‘travesty of justice.’

Last year, I interviewed Eswatini MP Eric ‘Gawuzela’ Simelane who is currently living in exile following these arrests. He told me he fears being arrested or murdered should he set foot in his home country.

Since then, Simelane’s son has been arrested in Eswatini without explanation and, according to Simelane, the authorities are applying pressure to anyone connected with him.

Speaking to me last week, Simelane said it would be travesty if King Mswati III were to attend King Charles’ coronation.

Mswati's attendance would provide the autocrat with fantastic PR and would be seen by many as an implicit endorsement of his disastrous management. On the Queen's passing, the kingdom of Eswatini put out a statement saying, 'We firmly believe that our longstanding cordial relations will continue to be enhanced and strengthened even in years to come.' 

A Le Monde article in October 2018 claimed that the country only has twelve public ambulances, for a population of 1.3 million; that most elementary schools are no longer able to provide food; and that pharmacies are disappearing.

The article also says that a circle of 15,000 businessmen take most of the country's wealth, while King Mswati III receives eight percent of the national budget for ‘official expenses’, and the armed forces and the police force receive five percent each.

The Leaders Council will be writing to MPs in the British parliament to urge them to consider Simelane’s case.

My full interview with Simelane can be listened to here:

Photo by Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash

Share this article


Leaders of Great Britain

About Leaders of Great Britain

Leaders of Great Britain hosts a series of engaging events featuring prominent figures from the worlds of politics, sports, business, and entertainment. Our goal is for every attendee to leave these gatherings with profound leadership insights that transcend boundaries. Learn More.


Related Features


Authored By

Craig Wilmann
Executive Director
March 27th 2023, 2:02pm

Follow Us

Follow @LeadersGBNI on Twitter for more live updates

Share this article


Popular Features

FEATURES | Published October 7th 2024, 4:04 pm

Margaret Ollivier: Ensuring Respect and Inclusivity at Expect Ltd

FEATURES | Published September 16th 2024, 11:11 am

Andrew Martin: Steering the Course of Planning and Development

FEATURES | Published July 26th 2024, 7:07 am

Paul Bowley: Transforming Lives with Abbeycare Group

© Copyright 2024, Leaders of Great Britain.