UN must ensure enforcement of peace agreements – KING

NEW YORK, USA – His Majesty King Mswati III has urged the United Nations to enforce binding compliance on signed international peace agreements.

He warned that broken promises continue to pull vulnerable populations back into conflict.

Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly, the monarch expressed concern over unconstitutional changes of government across Africa, which undermine the rule of law and democratic institutions.

“The United Nations should provide oversight to ensure follow ups and monitor compliance on these agreements to last forever,” the King stated, pointing out that military expenditure continues to divert essential funds away from economic development.

He said the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its aspiration to ‘silence the guns’ reflect the continent’s resolve to end conflict and create the stable conditions required for sustainable growth.

His Majesty’s address coincides with Eswatini assuming the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (Troika) following the 46th SADC Summit.

He assured the Assembly that Eswatini would use its Troika leadership to champion preventive diplomacy and mediation to secure long-term stability across the continent.

The regional organ, established to manage conflicts and maintain regional stability across southern Africa, delegates oversight of diplomatic interventions and crisis resolution to its rotating leadership.

During the handover in August 2026, the outgoing chairperson from Malawi expressed confidence in Eswatini’s leadership after the kingdom had already stepped in to support electoral observation missions.

The King said Eswatini would work with member states to strengthen preventive diplomacy, dialogue and mediation in support of SADC Vision 2050 for a peaceful, competitive and industrialised region.

Africa has faced repeated unconstitutional changes in recent years, including military takeovers in Guinea-Bissau in late 2025 and earlier cases in the Sahel and Madagascar.

The African Union maintains a zero-tolerance policy under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and has suspended affected states, though implementation has sometimes been inconsistent. 

The King is attending the UNGA accompanied by Inkhosikati LaNgangaza. Among his delegation are Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Pholile Shakantu and Eswatini Ambassador to the UN, Thanie Dlamini.

Ministers present during his address included Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Manqoba Khumalo and Justice Minister, Prince Simelane.