NEW: SADC pushes for open dialogue in Eswatini . . . second mission lined up

The Sunday Mail

Online Reporter

THE Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) says the proposal for “open national dialogue was highly welcomed” by stakeholders in Eswatini as a solution to the current upheavals plaguing the kingdom.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Frederick Shava was part of the team of regional ministers dispatched by the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to deliberate on recent disturbances in the country.

In a statement after being briefed, Organ Troika chair, Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, said a second fact-finding mission has been lined up to bring a comprehensive and lasting solution.

“The mission held consultations with the government of Eswatini. The mission also made attempts to meet with a broad spectrum of other stakeholders across the Eswatini nation,” said President Masisi.

“Due to the short notice, it was not possible to reach many of the stakeholders. As a result, it was agreed that a second mission will be dispatched urgently to Eswatini to continue the consultation process with the other stakeholders in the country. Therefore, a short meeting was held with a few civil society organisations to assure them of a second mission to the country to hold further consultations with all other key stakeholders . . .

“The proposal for an open national dialogue was highly welcomed as a way forward towards finding a long-lasting solution.”