King Mswati III is reported to have not been seen in public for a long time. Reports coming out of the Kingdom of Eswatini suggest that King Mswathi III is in critical condition. The King is reported to be having challenges in breathing even though the state media is reporting that ‘everything is fine.’
Mswati cancelled press conference and failed to appear in public
Swaziland News says the king cancelled a planned press conference that was demanded by the people who are worried by his absence. The people in the southern African country are begging to wonder if their king is doing well or is just taking precautions. Opposition parties have also contributed to the the spreading of the news that King Mswati is ill.
Mswati has been absent from the media since mid march when he received state guests, soldiers from Taiwan who had come to donate helicopters. The soldiers were part of the 400 who were quarantined according to reports in Taiwan.
Background of Mswati and Kingdom of Eswathini
Swaziland, whose name was changed to the Kingdom of Eswathini by the King, is Africa’s last absolute monarch. It qualifies to be an absolute monarch because it is the king who chooses the Prime Minister and other top government officials.
Mswati maintains an iron grip on power and is often accused of using unconstitutional tactics to remain in power.
Abuse of power by King Mswati
Mswati is fond of a luxurius lifestyle, buying fancy cars and building expensive homes for his wives and family. Quite recently he was accused of buying 120 BMW vehicles and 19 Rolls Royces.
Clamping on opposition parties
Mswati is also accused of suppressing opposition parties who raise concerns about his spending and the manner in which he runs the country. The Coca-cola company which has bottling plant in the country has been lobbied to exit Swaziland over human rights abuses in the country.