ESWATINI BEACON OF STABILITY IN THE REGION

Sir,
As Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of governance, the Kingdom of Eswatini stands out as a beacon of stability and continuity.
While other African countries have been plagued by coups and political instability, Eswatini’s unique blend of traditional and modern institutions has helped to maintain peace and prosperity in the country. This raises an intriguing question: What can other African countries learn from Eswatini’s governance model? Eswatini’s governance system is characterised by a strong monarchy, which serves as a symbol of national unity and stability. The monarchy is complemented by a Westminster-style parliamentary system, which provides a framework for democratic governance. This unique blend of traditional and modern institutions has enabled Eswatini to navigate the complexities of modern politics while maintaining its cultural heritage.

Stability

Unfortunately, political instability and coups have been all too common in Africa. According to recent reports, there have been at least 106 successful coups and 108 unsuccessful attempts since 1950. In recent years, there has been a surge in coups, with military takeovers in Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso and others. In fact, there have been seven coups in Africa since August 2020. Mozambique, a neighbouring country of Eswatini, has a complex history with military intervention. In 1974, a military coup in Portugal led to the collapse of the Portuguese colonial regime in Mozambique. While Mozambique has made significant progress in recent years, the country is not immune to political instability.

Concerns

Concerns about fraud in the 2023 general elections sparked a nationwide movement against the ruling Frelimo Party, highlighting the ongoing challenges of governance in the country.
So, what can other African countries learn from Eswatini’s governance model? Firstly, the importance of strong institutions cannot be overstated. Eswatini’s monarchy has provided a sense of continuity and stability, which has been essential for the country’s development. Secondly, the balance between traditional and modern institutions is critical. By embracing its cultural heritage, Eswatini has been able to adapt to the demands of modern politics. While Eswatini’s governance model is unique, its underlying principles can be adapted to other African countries. For instance, countries with strong traditional institutions could explore ways to incorporate these into their modern governance structures. This would enable them to tap into the cultural and historical roots of their nations, while still benefitting from the principles of democratic governance.

Democracy

Eswatini’s governance model offers a compelling alternative to the traditional Western-style democracy that has often been imposed on African countries. By blending traditional and modern institutions, Eswatini has created a system that is uniquely suited to its cultural and historical context. As other African countries grapple with the challenges of governance, they would do well to consider the Eswatini model as a potential blueprint for their own development.By adopting a similar approach, African countries can avoid the kind of political instability and division that has characterised many other regions, and instead build a brighter future for their citizens.

Nonsindiso Shongwe

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