Resources to be mobilised to capacitate UEDF for deployment within SADC
Resources will be mobilised to capacitate and equip the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) contingent for deployment within the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping missions as well.
This was said by His Majesty King Mswati III during the UEDF day at Nokwane Army Headquarters on Friday where he stated that this is in the spirit of collective security for the region.
The King extended appreciation for the continued bravery of the EUDF members deployed in peacekeeping and support missions, especially in Somalia under the auspices of the African Union (AU).
“The deployment to SADC and that of deploying defence attaches to the United Nations and other international and regional blocs is long overdue. Therefore, we implore the government and the UEDF leadership to see to it that it is urgently done through the provision of relevant resources,” His Majesty said.
The King further stated that soldiers continue with their selfless service to the country as it is the supreme and ultimate calling of their profession.
His Majesty encouraged soldiers to let the oath of allegiance be their guiding light wherever they go and whatever they utter with their mouths, adding that the government of Eswatini will do all it can to meet their needs and address their issues accordingly. “Government is making meet the needs of soldiers”
His Majesty further stated that the establishment of the military base at Siteki and the expansion of the Zombodze camp into a fully-fledged military unit is evidence that the country is committed to making living and work environment operations conducive.
On another note, SA President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of 2,900 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist in the fight against illegal armed groups in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The year-long deployment covers the period from December 15, 2023, to December 15 this year in fulfilment of the neighbouring country’s international obligation towards the SADC mission to support the army in the DRC.
According to Reuters, the SADC deployment comes as the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC ends after two decades and the country is fighting rebel groups, particularly the M23 rebels.
Reuters further reported that since 2022, every effort to the M23 offensive has worsened the region’s decades-long security and humanitarian crisis, forcing about one million people to flee their homes.
His Majesty further stated that the concept of globalisation has made the world a single family which means that whatever happens in a certain country affects the other countries.
Therefore, imperative that soldiers in Eswatini
continue working with regional and international blocs to maintain peace and stability in troubled countries.
“We are very delighted to receive positive feedback that some of you are serving well in other regional bodies where they are deployed. You need to keep up the good spirit in this regard and continue to add more boots on the ground in other parts of the world, His Majesty said.