MBABANE: The ongoing calls for democratic reforms has created serious tension within the royal family after a few of King Sobhuza's children declared their support for King Mswati during a press conference on Monday at Ludzidzini Palace.
This comes after Princess Dlalisile, the daughter of the late King Sobhuza and Inkhosikati LaMasuku publicly declared her support for the ongoing calls for democratic reforms,she further condemned the alleged shooting and killing of civilians by Mswati.
On Monday Chief Defense Officer Prince Sihlangusemphi, Princess Tsandzile, Princess Ncengencenge and Housing Minister Prince Simelane among others addressed journalists saying they supported King Mswati.
Worth-noting is that Prince Masitsela, Prince Thumbumuzi, Princess Dlalisile, Prince David and other influential Sobhuza's children were not present during the press conference, except for Princess Dlalisile, their political positions on whether they supported Mswati or not remained unknown.
Reached for comments on Tuesday evening, Princess Dlalisile told this Swaziland News that she was shocked to learn that there was a meeting in her father’s home without them knowing.
“I was surprised to read in the media that there was a meeting that took place in my father’s home without some of us knowing(Ngimangele kutsi bekubanjwe umhlangano ekhaya kitsi tsine singati). But despite what happened yesterday, I still support the calls for democracy. There will never be peace in this country again if the people are not allowed to form their own government and govern themselves”, said the Princess.
Efforts were made to reach Prince Sihlangusemphi who was chairing the press conference, however, his phone rang unanswered.
King Mswati is facing growing calls for democratic reforms both inside and outside his undemocratic Tinkhundla system. The King rules eSwatini as an absolute Monarch with Executive, Judicial and Legislative powers, political parties are banned from participating in elections.
King Mswati.