US to strengthen relations with Eswatini

MBABANE – With or without Russia, the US is keen to expand its investments in Eswatini.

The US Embassy in Eswatini Spokesperson, Stephanie Sandoval, said the USA would not halt its investments in Eswatini just because the country was exploring more areas of collaboration with the Russian Federation.

She was responding to a question on her country’s response to statements that were made by Russian Minister of Forein Affairs Lavrov Sergey, about the USA controlling African countries on who to form alliances with.

The spokesperson said the USAand Eswatini had a strong relationship, which was been built over decades of collaboration, investment, and partnership.

“We continue to look for ways to invest in, and build on, that robust partnership,” she said.

She highlighted that the US Embassy worked closely with government leaders and civil society organisations in Eswatini to bring about positive change in mutually beneficial ways.

Adding, she said together they bolstered economic and social inclusivity, invested in disadvantaged groups, including women and youth, and encouraged economic growth and empowerment. “This year is the 20th anniversary of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States remains as proud to invest in the health of emaSwati today as we have ever been. We all know HIV/AIDS has had a devastating impact on emaSwati. And PEPFAR remains the largest commitment made by any nation ever to address a single disease,” she said.

Through PEPFAR the USA invested over US$600 million over the years which saved a generation of people, Sandoval said.

“That was a historic symbol of our friendship with the people of Eswatini. Today, thanks to US support and strong partnerships, over 97 per cent of people who know their HIV status are benefitting from life-saving antiretroviral therapy. Life expectancy returned to pre-HIV epidemic levels of over 60 years.

She also dismissed allegations that her country was behind the crisis in Libya. She explained that the US worked in partnership with nations across Africa, including Libya, to promote stability, good governance, human rights, and economic growth.

“In the case of Libya, the United States supports efforts to build a unified and inclusive government that can both secure the country and meet the economic and humanitarian needs of the Libyan people,” she said.

Dialogue

She wondered which interference in politics, the Russian minister referred, to because the US Embassy has been urging an inclusive and honest national dialogue in Eswatini since the civil unrest in 2021.

She said the US condemned the use of violence for political purposes by any party. She reiterated that an honest, constructive dialogue with all stakeholders at the table was essential.

“Inclusive, peaceful and constructive dialogue, on issues of concern to all emaSwati will help the country move forward and heal. The US applauds all who walk the difficult yet noble path of non-violent reform,” she said.

Above all, Sandoval said the US Government invested in health and economic development initiatives that benefited all emaSwati.

“It was in no one’s interest to see facilities and services disrupted by continued violence or political unrest,” she said.