Mbabane – The Kingdom of Eswatini will not take sides in the crisis unfolding in Venezuela, the King’s Office has said.
Spokesperson Percy Simelane explained that Eswatini’s long-standing non-aligned foreign policy prevents the country from making public statements on international conflicts. He said the government will “play its cards closer to the chest” and pray for restraint from all parties to prevent further instability.
“We are a non-aligned country and must follow rules that promote peace and non-interference. Once words are spoken, they can take on a life of their own and worsen an already volatile situation,” Simelane said, warning that escalation could have serious global consequences.
Eswatini is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of states that avoids formal alignment with major global powers and encourages peaceful coexistence and diplomatic restraint. According to a report by the Times of Eswatini, these principles guide Eswatini’s decision to stay out of disputes involving powerful nations.
The comments come after Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty during their first court appearance in New York on Monday, facing US charges.
Neighbouring South Africa has taken a more outspoken approach, condemning what it described as unilateral US military action against Maduro. According to the Times report, Pretoria argued that such actions violate international law and sovereignty, calling for multilateral dialogue through the United Nations Security Council.
The crisis has exposed divisions within the UN Security Council. Countries such as Russia and China have questioned the legality of US actions, while other nations defended Washington’s position. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for calm, warning that escalating tensions could destabilise the region and set dangerous precedents for international relations.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab demanded Maduro’s release, citing diplomatic immunity. According to the Times report, Saab urged the US judge handling the case to recognise the court’s lack of jurisdiction over a foreign head of state and to stop what he called human rights violations against Maduro, his wife, and the Venezuelan people.
Former US President Donald Trump has accused Maduro of orchestrating destabilising activities in the Americas, including drug trafficking and illegal migration to the US.
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