PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his capacity as Chair of the Southern African Development Community Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, concluded a one-day working visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini to discuss the political and security challenges facing the country.
The kingdom has seen violent scenes as security forces and pro-democracy activists clash in the last few months.
The visit comes after the President appealed to Eswatini citizens for restraint as the country prepares for national dialogue regarding a possible new ruling system.
Ramaphosa and King Mswati III agreed that the SADC Secretariat would work closely with the Government of Eswatini to draft terms of reference for the national dialogue forum.
These terms of reference will specify processes for the forum as well as the composition of the forum.
The process towards the national dialogue will take into account and incorporate structures and processes enshrined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini, including the role of the Parliament of the Kingdom, and the Sibaya convened by His Majesty King Mswati III.
This preparatory process will take place during the coming three months, a period during which His Majesty will undertake his annual, mandatory Incwala ceremony.
Last month, in his capacity as the Chairperson of Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security – Ramaphosa deployed former Minister Jeff Radebe on a fact-finding mission.
Following a meeting with stakeholders, it was agreed that SADC would support the process of a national dialogue.
King Mswati’s rule has been heavily criticised for failing to develop the poor country while spending lavishly on his family.
Political activists are calling for the country to be declared a republic and a government to be voted in.
Ramaphosa was accompanied by International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor.
- Inside Politics
