Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini welcomed the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, in Mbabane today during a courtesy visit held on behalf of His Majesty King Mswati III. The visit comes ahead of the Kofi Annan Road Safety Awards set for tomorrow in Ezulwini.
Todt’s arrival marks Eswatini’s growing role in global efforts to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities. During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed the Kingdom’s appreciation for being chosen to host the prestigious international ceremony, noting the steady decline in road accidents as evidence of local progress in road safety.
Speaking to the media, Todt praised the Kingdom’s hospitality and commitment to safer roads. He said that despite Eswatini’s small size, its determination to address traffic-related deaths places it firmly on the global map. He acknowledged the country’s role in pushing forward the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030).
Todt also reflected on the global impact of road accidents, describing them as a “silent pandemic” responsible for roughly 1.2 million deaths and over 50 million injuries each year. He called for stronger political leadership and cross-sector cooperation to combat the crisis.
The Kofi Annan Road Safety Awards, named after the late UN Secretary-General, aim to honour efforts in advancing sustainable development through safer transport. Previous ceremonies were held in Morocco and Ghana. The selection of Eswatini as this year’s host signals rising international recognition of the country’s leadership on road safety.
Although King Mswati III was unable to attend the meeting due to prior engagements, the Prime Minister reassured Todt of His Majesty’s support for ongoing initiatives that safeguard lives on the road.
