CPS concerned about SADC appointment of Mswati to Troika

[CPS Communist Party of Swaziland]

CPS concerned about SADC’s continous endorsement of Mswati's dictatorship.

18 August 2025: The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) is concerned regarding the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its endorsement of the dictator Mswati and his Tinkhundla regime.

The SADC’s decision to appoint Mswati as the deputy chairperson of the SADC Political Organ Troika and its recommendation for his appointment in the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council raises questions about this important regional body commitment to democratic principles. Mswati rule in Swaziland is authoritarian and unacceptable, lack of political freedoms, and suppression of meaningful people’s participation in the affairs of the country. By elevating him to such influential positions, SADC risks undermining its own credibility as a regional body that promotes democracy, peace, and security.

The CPS views this act as a deliberate seedbed of democratic corrosion. By legitimizing Mswati's regime, SADC sends a troubling message about autocratic and anti-democracy leadership in the region. This could embolden undemocratic practices and weaken the struggle for democratic change in Swaziland, for no one benefit except Mswati and his political goons together with those who want to use our country for their own foolish and selfish interests. The move also alienates pro-democracy activists and organizations in Swaziland, who have long fought for political pluralism and human rights. We view this stunt as part of a game plan to help Mswati defeat the struggle of the people.

Mswati dictatorship has been marked by political repression, economic inequality, and social unrest. His leadership style poses a long-term threat to peace and stability in Swaziland, as it perpetuates systemic inequalities and stifles meaningful dialogue. The CPS warns about the dire consequences to the stability of the region as unresolved grievances in Swaziland could spill over into neighboring countries, destabilizing the broader Southern African region in the mist of the congestion of reactionary and right wing forces finding a base in Swaziland. 

Our critique of SADC’s aims and purpose highlights a disconnect between the organization’s stated goals and its actions. SADC’s mandate includes promoting democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. However, its support for Mswati and recognition of his fraudulent leadership contradicts these principles. This raises questions about whether SADC is prioritizing political expediency over its foundational values.

To address these concerns, SADC should reassess its decision to endorse Mswati and prioritize leaders who uphold democratic principles. The body must ope an engagement platform with pro-democracy forces in Swaziland to understand their struggles and support their efforts for political reform as previous resolutions of the committee recommended. Such consistency is important for credibility. The body must focus on strengthening its commitment to human rights and democratic governance across the region.

The CPS’s concerns about SADC’s actions are a call to action for the regional body to realign its decisions with its stated principles. By endorsing Mswati, SADC risks undermining its already questionable credibility and contributing to democratic backsliding in the region. It is imperative for SADC to take a stand for democracy, peace, and stability, not just in Swaziland but across Southern Africa.

Issued by: CPS Press Services

18 August 2025

Follow CPS WhatsApp Channel 

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajZOtp0G0XkNnX8sV2A

Thokozane Kenneth Kunene

General Secretary

(+27)72 594 3971

 

Simphiwe Dlamini

CPS International Secretary

+268 7627 9355

 

Email: cpsw...@gmail.com

Facebook: Communist Party Of Swaziland – CPS

X (formerly Twitter): @CPSwaziland

Website: https://cp-swa.org/