Eswatini government warns the US over conviction of pro-democratic legislators

MBABANE, Eswatini

Eswatini government Spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, has warned the United States to stop interfering with judgements of the courts, Eswatini Observer, a State-owned newspaper has reported.

This comes after the US Embassy eSwatini issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, condemning the guilty verdict on incarcerated pro-democracy Members of Parliament Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.

The MPs who were demanding democratic reforms inside Parliament, were arrested on politically motivated terrorism charges as per an order allegedly issued by King Mswati, an absolute Monarch.

“The U.S. Embassy is deeply disappointed by the June 1 guilty verdict for Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. Due to the arrest, long detention, and now guilty verdict, these elected representatives are prevented from representing the voices of their constituents.” Reads the statement in part, released by the US Embassy eSwatini.

But the Spokesperson quoted by the eSwatini Observer said, since time immemorial, the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has never attempted to pronounce itself on the United States of America judicial verdicts.

"The genuine question now is what right does the USA Embassy in Eswatini has to interfere with our Kingdom Judiciary verdicts? The verdicts can always still be appealed in the higher courts of the land. The Kingdom of Eswatini remains highly committed to safeguard, protect and advance the enduring and warm diplomatic relations between the two States, however partners in a mutual contract must treat each other as such; not treat one as a subordinate.” said the Spokesperson.