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PRETORIA – President Ramaphosa and King Mswati III have resolved that the kingdom of eSwatini will embark on a process towards the establishment of a national dialogue forum.

The two leaders agreed that the SADC secretariat would work closely with the government of eSwatini to draft terms of reference for that national dialogue forum, following a deepening political crisis amid frequent pro-democracy protests.

“These terms of reference will specify processes for the forum as well as the composition of the forum. The process towards the national dialogue will take into account and incorporate structures and processes enshrined in the constitution of the Kingdom of eSwatini, including the role of the parliament of the Kingdom, and the Sibaya convened by His Majesty King Mswati III,” acting Presidency spokesperson Tyrone Seale said.

“This preparatory process will take place during the coming three months, a period during which His Majesty will undertake his annual, mandatory Incwala ceremony.”

Seale said Ramaphosa and King Mswati III “were at one” in calling on all stakeholders among emaSwati to work together to end violence and conflict, and maintain peace and calm in the Kingdom, as work commences on the national dialogue process.

Ramaphosa, in his capacity as chair of the Southern African Development Community organ on politics, defence and security, undertook a one day working visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The meeting with King Mswati III  on Wednesday, follows a visit to the tiny kingdom by special envoys on 21 and 22 October, who had been directed to visit the nation by Ramaphosa. – IOLNews