THE government of Eswatini expressed its strong disapproval on Friday over a statement issued by the US embassy in the landlocked Southern African nation concerning the recent sentencing of two politicians by the high court in Mbabane. The government accused the US embassy of interfering in the country’s judiciary, emphasising its commitment to upholding the sovereignty of the Kingdom.
Government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo stated, ‘The Kingdom of Eswatini has always respected the sovereignty of other nations and refrained from interfering in their internal affairs.’ Nxumalo questioned the right of the US embassy in Eswatini to meddle with the Kingdom’s judicial verdicts, asking, ‘What right does the USA Embassy in E
swatini have to interfere with our Kingdom’s judicial verdicts?’
He added: ‘Since time immemorial , the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has never attempted to pronounce itself on the United States of America’s judicial verdicts because as Emaswati, our Modus Operandi and Diplomatic Policy is based on non – interference and meddling in the internal affairs of other sovereign countries. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, especially article 41(1), prohibits Diplomats to interfere in the internal affairs of the receiving or Host States.’
The controversy arose after a high court in Mbabane convicted former members of parliament, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, for inciting unrest during protests calling for political reforms in the country, resulting in loss of lives. The conviction came nearly two years after their arrest.
Following the verdict, the US embassy released a statement expressing deep disappointment and urging the Eswatini government to ensure transparency in judicial processes, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights.
‘The US embassy is deeply disappointed by the June 1 guilty verdict for members of parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube,’ said the embassy. ‘We call on the government of Eswatini to exercise transparency in judicial processes and protect the rule of law and human rights. All Emaswati must have equal protection under the law, including those who voice dissent or call for non-violent reform,’ it added.
In response, government spokesperson Nxumalo pointed out instances where the actions of the US government have been controversial. He referenced the creation of Guantanamo Bay and the use of military force without due process, citing violations of international law. However, the Eswatini government did not intervene or comment on these matters.
Nxumalo also referred to the political chaos that occurred on January 6, 2021, when supporters of former US President Donald Trump vandalized Capitol Hill. The Eswatini government did not issue any statement or comment on the incident.
The statement from the Eswatini government underscores its opposition to external interference in its judicial affairs and reaffirms its commitment to preserving the Kingdom’s sovereignty. The exchange of statements between the government and the US embassy has created a diplomatic rift, raising concerns about the impact on bilateral relations.
Nxumalo, however, played down such concerns saying, ‘The Kingdom of Eswatini
remains highly committed to safeguarding, protecting, and advancing the enduring and warm diplomatic relations that happily exist between the two states,’ emphasising that partners in a mutual relationship must treat each other as equals, not as subordinate entities.
The convicted politicians still have the option to appeal the verdicts in higher courts, as is customary in the country’s legal system.
