Eswatini Sunday

UEDF members advised not to make enemies of emaswati

- Stories by Bahle Gama bahleg@rubiconmed­ia.group

HIS Majesty King Mswati III has advised soldiers in the country to keep the peace and not to make enemies with emaswati.

His Majesty gave this order when delivering his speech during the Army Day on Friday. His Majesty is also the Commander-in-chief of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).

“In your line of work, you ought to ensure that you consistent­ly demonstrat­e that you are not enemies of the nation, but are there to defend and serve the country,” His Majesty said.

The King stated that it was pleasing to see the numerous programmes developed by the UEDF to ensure increased engagement with the nation.

These include providing health services to the nation, which His Majesty said is highly appreciate­d by the populace.

His Majesty stated that soldiers’ work goes beyond their military mandate as it further entails augmenting the government’s efforts in creating a resolute socio-economic environmen­t for all emaswati.

The King further applauded the UEDF for being awarded the ISO 9001 certificat­ion by the Eswatini Standards Authority.

“This is a true reflection of the highqualit­y services you offer, not only to officers but the nation in general.”

The King also stated that the UEDF’S collaborat­ion with other law enforcemen­t agencies towards maintainin­g peace, stability, and order in the Kingdom of Eswatini is indeed praisewort­hy. The force was encouraged to continue working in harmony with sister security institutio­ns.

“You need to always uphold your oath of office. Emaswati live in a peaceful environmen­t where the economy can thrive as you may know there is a correlatio­n between economic growth and stable security,” His Majesty said.

On another note, The King further observed that the UEDF has the potential to be one of the best militaries in the world regardless of its size.

This he said is based on the good reports of work done by the force with the various communitie­s.

Especially when they respond and reach out whenever called upon to assist regardless of the time of the day as they are on duty 24/7.

“Moreover, it is also equally pleasing that you continue working with allied countries who selflessly impart vital knowledge and skills to you as you engage with them in many countries around the world” His Majesty said.

The King further stated that informatio­n had been received that some of the UEDF members were not part of the celebratio­n on Friday because they were abroad for training in various fields of defence.

“Others are on peacekeepi­ng missions and upon their return, we expect them to share their skills with the entire UEDF. We take this opportunit­y to thank all those who have contribute­d to the growth of our military,” said His Majesty.

The King also acknowledg­ed developmen­t partners for their continued kind gestures and support rendered to the Eswatini army. Further, His Majesty extended gratitude to the reports received about the external courses in which officers perform exceptiona­lly well as some have received best internatio­nal student awards.

“This is a clear testimony that our army has the potential to be one of the best militaries in the world regardless of its size. Being a soldier is all about hosting one’s flag high, therefore such reports regarding your performanc­es in external courses are indeed commendabl­e,” His Majesty added.

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 ?? ?? ▴ His Majesty King Mswati III making his remarks during the 2024 Army Day.
▴ His Majesty King Mswati III making his remarks during the 2024 Army Day.

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