The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his capacity as the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Defence, Politics and Security Cooperation, appointed special envoys to engage with King Mswati III on security and political developments in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Eswatini has been gripped by recurring civil unrest that has killed over 20 people since June, and in the past two weeks, the violence has escalated with running battles between police and rioters, particularly in the capital, Mbabane.
According to a statement released by South African Presidential Communications on Thursday afternoon, the special envoys will come from the three countries that make up the Troika on Defence, Politics and Security Cooperation – South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
“A representative of the Republic of Botswana, the former chair of the organ, a representative of the Republic of Namibia, the incoming chair of the organ, and special advisor on international relations to President Ramaphosa, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, also join the delegation.
“The Special Envoys will be accompanied by SADC executive secretary Mr Elias Magosi, senior officials of the SADC Secretariat and senior officials of the South African Government,” reads the statement.
The envoys are expected to travel to the Kingdom this week.
President Ramaphosa commended King Mswati III for agreeing to meet the delegation.
