- Condemns arson attacks, terrorism acts
Mbabane – Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini has announced that a Technical Committee has been set up and is already at work in preparation for the upcoming Sibaya National Dialogue.
The PM, during a press briefing at Cabinet Offices, further announced that preparatory work is at an advanced stage and that the National Dialogue process will commence soon.
Explaining to the media, the PM said, “a lot of preparation and process has been done since the announcement of the dialogue. To that end, I wish to advise that the Sibaya National Dialogue process will commence soon. In order to satisfy the obligation of ensuring that the dialogue takes place in a transparent, peaceful and inclusive manner, the preparatory work is at an advanced stage. A technical committee has been set up to prepare for the dialogue.”
The head of government said the committee will ensure that the dialogue is conducted in line with the relevant constitutional frameworks which have always encouraged dialogue and resolution of issues under Sibaya.
“Furthermore, His Majesty King Mswati III has committed to making sure that every voice is heard and respected during the process of the dialogue. It is appreciated that there will be divergent views and robust debates which will all be welcomed, since free and full expression is at the heart of the dialogue process. It is regrettable that there are people who are trying to undermine the dialogue process by being involved in criminal acts such as arson, violence and terrorism. These individuals, supported by subversive foreign entities and revolutionary groups, have waged a campaign of violence against emaSwati with guns, petrol bombs, explosives, and other weapons in order to destabilise the Kingdom.”
The Prime Minister added that vviolence, intimidation, burning, looting, and terrorism is not consistent with the path to dialogue that the country has chosen and has always embraced. He encouraged emaSwati to jealously guard and protect the peace and security that the country has always enjoyed. He emphasised that violence will not be tolerated in this process and that all peace-loving emaSwati must shun and condemn those who seek to incite it.
With regard to the constitution, the PM said, “Section 232 (1) states that the people, through Sibaya, constitute the nation’s highest policy and advisory council. Section 232 (3) reads, and I quote, “Sibaya functions as the annual general meeting of the Nation but may be convened at any time to present the views of the Nation on pressing and controversial national issues.”
He said all citizens are therefore encouraged to participate in the dialogue and take full advantage of their constitutional rights to be heard at Sibaya and any other platforms that may be availed.
“It is His Majesty’s call that all emaSwati should abandon acts of violence and hostilities and prepare to bring all important issues to the national dialogue where all emaSwati will come together as a nation to determine the best way forward.”
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