YOKOHAMA, JAPAN – His Majesty King Mswati III has urged a reform of the United Nations Security Council to strengthen Africa’s role in global peace. Speaking at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) yesterday, the King said the Ezulwini Consensus, adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2005 in Eswatini, is key to addressing historical imbalances at the UN.
The Consensus calls for Africa to have two permanent and five non-permanent seats on the Security Council. King Mswati explained that such reform would enable African nations to resolve conflicts more effectively, safeguard civilians, and foster stability across the continent.
Eswatini, currently serving on the AU Peace and Security Council (2025–2028) and set to chair the SADC Troika on Defence, Peace and Security, is actively involved in diplomatic and mediation efforts. The King praised the AU Peace and Security Council for its role in preventing and resolving conflicts, describing it as critical to Africa’s development.
At TICAD 9, which focused on peace, stability, and economic cooperation under the Yokohama Aspirations, King Mswati presented Eswatini’s Tinkhundla governance system as a model for national unity and a secure investment environment. He assured international investors of the safety of their investments and the smooth repatriation of funds, linking stability to Africa’s broader economic growth ambitions.
Japan has supported Eswatini since 2019, mainly through the UN World Food Programme. Its Home-Grown School Feeding Programme provides meals to 25,000 pupils across 50 schools, contributing to food security and education goals. Japan has also invested in educational infrastructure and postgraduate programs through initiatives like the ABE/SDG Training Program, building a skilled workforce for Eswatini’s economic diversification.
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