Eswatini row over Taiwan delegation deepens

by SAMBULO DLAMINI
MBABANE, (CAJ News) — THE Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) has reaffirmed its firm opposition to the invitation extended to the so-called president of Taiwan, describing the individual as a separatist leader whose visit would undermine sovereignty and internationally recognised diplomatic principles.

CPS General Secretary Thokozane Kenneth Kunene said the party does not recognise Taiwan as a legitimate state actor, adding that any engagement with its leadership runs contrary to the One China principle and United Nations resolutions on China’s territorial integrity.

“We assert that such a figure is not welcome in Swaziland (now Eswatini) and that their presence undermines the principles of sovereignty and international diplomacy,” Kunene said.

The CPS also criticised reports surrounding King Mswati III’s planned 40th anniversary of absolute rule, scheduled for 24 April 2026, stating that the occasion should not be treated as a celebration but rather as a reminder of the country’s unresolved democratic challenges.

“In light of this milestone, we cannot celebrate what represents four decades of absolute monarchy. It reflects the ongoing struggle for democratic governance and human rights in Swaziland,” Kunene said.

The party further raised concerns over alleged diplomatic manoeuvres linked to efforts to secure airspace clearance from Mozambique and South Africa for the reported visit of the Taiwanese delegation.

“This is not a matter of negotiation; it is an abuse of power aimed at sidestepping the fundamental principles of the One China policy and relevant UN resolutions,” Kunene stated.

According to CPS claims, an advance delegation purportedly linked to Taiwan is expected to arrive in Eswatini on Tuesday (today) with concerns raised that the group may include personnel carrying undeclared equipment.

These claims have not been independently verified.

“We call upon the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to remain vigilant against these developments. Any actions that risk turning our region into a platform for external geopolitical contestation must be carefully managed,” Kunene said.

The CPS warned that global instability driven by imperial competition and resource-driven conflicts highlights the importance of unity among nations and peoples, arguing that division only creates vulnerability to external influence.

“In a divided country, external forces find room to exploit weaknesses. Unity, on the other hand, strengthens sovereignty, stability and the ability of a nation to chart its own independent path,” Kunene said.

The party further urged Mozambique and South Africa to uphold regional protocols and deny airspace access if requested, reiterating that such decisions should align with international law and regional stability frameworks.

“In this context, unity is not only a political ideal but a practical necessity for peace, development and resilience,” Kunene added.

The CPS concluded by stating that the struggle for democratic governance in Eswatini remains ongoing, expressing confidence that historical change will ultimately reshape the country’s political future.

– CAJ News