MBABANE – “My condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones”. These were Prime Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini’s words when delivering a special press statement this afternoon concerning the recent murders of 2 police officers by unknown assailants in a span of 72 hours.
These killings, along with recent sporadic arson attacks, have been largely speculated and accepted by many on social media as targeted and politically motivated against the government. Prime Minister Dlamini also urged the nation to maintain peace and prepare for the political which was announced by His Majesty King Mswati III after political unrests in 2021.
“It is clear, therefore, that these attacks are not just on Government or any individual company, but on all Emaswati. Those behind these devious acts are terrorists hell-bent on condemning our people to a state of fear, and never-ending cycle of poverty.
There can be no justification of such attacks, particularly when we have a clear path towards reconciling our differences and rebuilding a better Eswatini together. It is clear to all of us now that the people behind these attacks are not for the betterment of Emaswati or Eswatini, but selfishly pushing their terrorist agendas. As Government, we cannot sit back and watch these terrorists intimidate Emaswati. We will do everything to protect the lives of Emaswati, and restore peace and order in our beautiful Kingdom,” said Prime Minister Dlamini.
“I should also take this moment to thank our security personnel, and all Emaswati who have worked bravely and tirelessly to protect our people and our country from these cruel individuals. My condolences to all the families that have lost loved ones. We also sympathize with those whose livelihoods and properties have been negatively affected,” added Prime Minister Dlamini.
The Prime Minister also urged “All peace-loving Emaswati should stay clear of activities that have the potential to escalate into conflict.”
“Our collective efforts as a nation should be towards nation-building, in the form of preparing for the upcoming Sibaya National Dialogue – which His Majesty King Mswati III and the Government all committed to having,” added the Prime Minister.
He noted that the the continued violence in the name of politics is undermining Government’s preparations of the upcoming National Dialogue. He added that these violent acts also delay the upscaling of service delivery for socio-economic and economic issues like creating employment opportunities.
“The Government commits to every citizen that it is deploying all its assets internally as well as regionally to hunt down these terrorists and bring them to book, while exposing their enablers. Thank you,” concluded the Prime Minister.
