Mercenaries from Israel and
Lebanon are plotting to assassinate King Mswati III, the absolute monarch of
Swaziland (eSwatini), the Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy
journal reported.
The journal published by
the International Strategic Studies
Association said the plot
was supported by the African National Congress (ANC) which is the governing party
in South African, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and the Government of
the United Kingdom.
The journal reported (Vol.
47, No. 11/12, 2019)
the mercenaries entered Swaziland in November 2019 but were unable immediately to
get to the King because he was in seclusion as part of the annual Incwala
ceremonies.
Swaziland is not a
democracy and political parties are barred from taking part in elections.
Groups that advocate for democracy are banned under the Suppression of Terrorism
Act. The King chooses the Prime Minister and cabinet and top judges.
Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy journal reported the plot was backed by the UK because it ‘had reportedly been promised concessions to exploit eSwatini reserves of diamonds and natural gas, among other things, in a “post-Mswati” eSwatini. Sensitive UK Government documents confirm that understanding.’
It added, ‘Significant external financial and political support for the revolutionaries has not brought about a national groundswell against the King. The Umbutfo eSwatini Defence Force (UEDF) and the Swati chiefs and peoples reaching into South Africa (including the Johannesburg region, traditionally Swati territory) remain passionately loyal to the King.’
Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy journal reported the plot was backed by the UK because it ‘had reportedly been promised concessions to exploit eSwatini reserves of diamonds and natural gas, among other things, in a “post-Mswati” eSwatini. Sensitive UK Government documents confirm that understanding.’
It added, ‘Significant external financial and political support for the revolutionaries has not brought about a national groundswell against the King. The Umbutfo eSwatini Defence Force (UEDF) and the Swati chiefs and peoples reaching into South Africa (including the Johannesburg region, traditionally Swati territory) remain passionately loyal to the King.’
The journal offered no evidence to support its
reporting. It gave this analysis of why eSwatini was important globally.
‘Presently, despite its size, it is a pillar of
stability relative to South Africa itself, given that collapse of the South
African state is a possibility, even as soon as 2020. And Southern Africa is
key to monitoring and control of the Cape of Good Hope sea route. South Africa
is presently a key component of the PRC’s strategy to control sea lanes and
ports globally.
‘Moreover, eSwatini is the only country in Africa
which still recognizes the Republic of China (ROC: Taiwan), rather than the
PRC. If South Africa falls apart and an independent KwaZulu-Natal returned eSwatini's
access to the Indian Ocean, this would significantly affect maritime strategies
in the region. As well, the Zulu Kingdom itself may not necessarily recognize
Beijing.’
The International Strategic
Studies Association founded in 1982 and based in Washington DC describes itself as a worldwide membership
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of professionals involved in national
management, particularly in national and international security and strategic
policy.
See also
‘Attempted coup in Swaziland’
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