MBABANE: Army Spokesperson Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo says Government is better positioned to respond regarding the purchasing of armoured vehicles for the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force(UEDF).
This comes amid reports and emerging allegations suggesting that more vehicles would be purchased ahead of the coming elections,to patrol the whole country and deal with those who intended to stop the elections.
“We will patrol the whole country, day and night and ensure that the elections are successful. Those who want to stop the elections are warned not to dare disturb and violate the people’s right to vote”, said an insider.
Lieutenant Tengetile Khumalo,the Army Spokesperson said the Umbutfo Eswatini Defense Force (UEDF) can only respond to operational issues.
“Your questionnaire is highly appreciated.The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force Public Affairs can only respond to operational lssues. Kindly contact the Government Spokesperson in this regard,”said the Army Public Relations Officer(PRO).
But Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo when contacted this week said issues touching on elections were handled by the Elections and Boundaries Commission(EBC).
“Issues touching on elections are handled by the EBC, contact the Chairman,” said the Government Spokesperson.
Efforts to reach Prince Mhlabuhlangene,the Elections Commission Chairperson proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.
Eswatini is in the midst of a political crisis,elections might be held under the barrel of a gun despite calls for a political dialogue.
Reached for comments, human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, the Chairperson of the MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF) said it was deeply concerning that at a time when violence seemed to be escalating,there were no signs on the part of the King and Government to normalize the situation.
“The fact that the King and Government are buying arms of war and vehicles is a bad sign that the Tinkhundla regime is gearing for war, in a situation where there is already a low-key civil war.No matter how long the Government and the King can prolong the question of a transition to a multiparty democratic dispensation,it is inevitable,”said the MSF Chairperson.
One of the newly purchased army vehicles.