Statement by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) notes with concern the reports of violent disturbances in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The disturbances have resulted in widespread destruction of property, injuries to people, with at least one death reported. SADC also notes with concern, the disruption to normal personal, community and daily economic activities, including critical Government COVID-19 response strategies, which are essential for the health and safety of the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the entire humanity.

SADC calls upon all individuals, groups, and organisations that have grievances to desist from acts of violence, whilst also urging the security services to exercise restraint in their response to restore order and normalcy.

SADC also urges all stakeholders to channel their grievances through the established national structures, and the authorities to have an open national dialogue, in order to continue upholding the legacy of peace and stability that has characterised the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the region at large. To facilitate this process, the SADC Organ Troika is to urgently dispatch a team of Ministers to Eswatini with a view to further encourage the Kingdom to find a lasting solution.

 Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi

Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security

GABORONE, BOTSWANA

2ND JULY 2021

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