Eswatini’s King Mswati III addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
The Kingdom of Eswatini on Friday celebrated a major national milestone as King Mswati III marked 40 years on the throne, with thousands gathering in colourful ceremonies that highlighted both enduring royal support and growing criticism over inequality and public spending.
At the national stadium, marching bands sounded horns, women ululated, and crowds cheered as the country honoured Africa’s last absolute monarch, whose rule began in 1986.
A choir dressed in the colours of the national flag — yellow, blue and red — performed songs in praise of the king and displayed a sign congratulating him on his 58th birthday.
Addressing the crowd, King Mswati called for unity and national cohesion, saying the country had endured many challenges over the decades.
“We have been through thick and thin as a nation,” the monarch said. “It is important we remain united.”
The anniversary celebrations were marked by military-style displays, traditional performances, and public tributes to the king’s leadership. Mswati later rode through cheering crowds in an open-top vehicle while dressed in a scarlet ceremonial tunic inspired by British military tradition.
Supporters Praise Development Efforts
Many attendees described the event as a proud reflection of Eswatini’s cultural identity and traditions.
Nineteen-year-old well-wisher Shabusiswa Sibambo said the monarchy had helped deliver improvements in education and healthcare, pointing to the introduction of free schooling in 2022 and mobile health clinics launched the following year.
“We are proud of our culture,” she said as crowds lined the route to watch the king’s procession.
Older citizens also reflected on the country’s transformation since Mswati ascended the throne nearly four decades ago.
Busiwe Maziya, a 70-year-old subsistence maize farmer, said her quality of life had improved over the years due to government support programmes for rural farmers. She cited access to fertiliser, farming tools and other agricultural inputs as examples of assistance that had benefited her family.
“Even the rainfall has been better,” she said, expressing gratitude for the progress she believes the country has experienced under the monarch.
Supporters argue that while Eswatini faces challenges common across developing nations, the monarchy remains a stabilising symbol and a custodian of the country’s deeply rooted customs.
Critics Highlight Poverty and Royal Spending
Despite the festive atmosphere, the anniversary also renewed criticism of the king’s lifestyle and the concentration of power in a country where many citizens continue to struggle economically.
King Mswati, who has more than a dozen wives, has frequently faced scrutiny over royal spending, luxury residences, high-end vehicles, and state-funded upkeep. Critics say the cost of maintaining the royal household is excessive in a nation where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty.
According to World Bank estimates, roughly one-third of Eswatini’s 1.5 million people survive below the international poverty threshold of 2.15 U.S. dollars per day.
This month, the government reportedly approved an additional three million U.S. dollars in funding for royal maintenance costs, a move that drew fresh criticism from opposition figures and civil society activists.
Wandile Dludlu, leader of one of the country’s main opposition movements, condemned the anniversary spending and said national priorities were being ignored.
“Yet another public waste of scarce resources,” Dludlu said, arguing that the country continues to face serious challenges including poverty, inequality, unemployment and one of the world’s highest HIV prevalence rates.
“What a lost opportunity,” he added.
Legacy of the 2021 Protests
Public frustration over inequality and demands for democratic reforms previously erupted into nationwide protests in 2021. Demonstrators called for political liberalisation, greater accountability and an end to absolute monarchy.
The unrest was met with a heavy security response, with reports of deaths, arrests and widespread crackdowns. The protests marked one of the most serious challenges to Mswati’s rule in recent history and drew international attention to the country’s political structure.
Eswatini remains sub-Saharan Africa’s only absolute monarchy, meaning executive power is concentrated in the king, who appoints the prime minister, cabinet members and many senior officials. Political parties have historically faced restrictions, while opposition groups continue to campaign for constitutional reforms.
International Attention and Domestic Debate
More recently, Eswatini attracted international headlines over reports involving deportees from the United States as part of immigration enforcement measures linked to President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. The issue generated debate both domestically and abroad.
For many citizens, however, the central question remains whether national resources are being directed toward improving everyday life or preserving royal privilege.
Supporters insist the monarchy is an essential pillar of unity and national identity, while critics argue that political reform and stronger economic management are needed to address persistent hardship.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Eswatini marked King Mswati III’s four decades in power, the contrasting scenes of celebration and dissent underscored a nation divided over its future.
For loyalists, the anniversary symbolised continuity, culture and stability under a longstanding ruler.
For opponents, it served as a reminder of unresolved economic hardship, democratic limitations and widening inequality.
With growing pressure for reform and a youthful population increasingly connected to global democratic trends, the kingdom now faces an important question: whether tradition and modern expectations can coexist under Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
