President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his capacity as Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, concluded a one-day working visit to eSwatini, after weeks of violence between security forces and protestors.

The audience with King Mswati III followed a visit by Ramaphosa’s Special Envoys on October 21 and 22.

The deliberations between Ramaphosa and King Mswati III resolved that eSwatini would embark on a process to establish a national dialogue forum. 

The duo further agreed that the SADC Secretariat would work closely with the eSwatini government to draft terms of reference for the national dialogue forum.

The preparatory process will take place in the next three months, a period during which the King undertakes his annual, mandatory Incwala ceremony.

Ramaphosa and King Mswati further held discussions on a broad range of matters relating to the political and security situation in the Kingdom.

Ramaphosa and King Mswati III called on all stakeholders to work together to end violence and conflict, and maintain peace and calm in the Kingdom as work commences on the national dialogue process.