Africa-Press – Eswatini. King’s Office Director of Communications Percy Simelane said they have no record of any assistance offered to former Botswana president Ian Khama by Eswatini.
He said President Masisi was out of order, further noting that the former president does not even stay in the country, but visits from the Republic of South Africa where he and his family reside.
Simelane was speaking in response to alleged sentiments shared by Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi that Eswatini and South Africa were undermining diplomatic ties by helping Khama.
President Masisi, speaking at a Heads of Mission briefing event, is reported to have criticised both countries for their role in accommodating Botswana’s former president, while he is wanted back home.
Khama is a frequent guest of the country at national events and at times holds private meetings occasionally with the king, as confirmed by Simelane.
Adding, the director of communications said if United Nations (UN) protocols on engagement of countries with grievances are anything to go by particularly Clause 1 of the Vienna Protocol, Dr Masisi would be shown a red card and ordered to leave the political arena.
He said Clause 1 of the Vienna Protocol militates against free for all mudslinging when there is an issue between countries.
He stated that Botswana also has an option in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) treaty and protocol on politics, defence and security cooperation.
Simelane said there was also the African Union (AU) which also mechanisms for addressing any perceived dispute.
Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo told our sister paper, the Sunday Observer that the two countries enjoy good relations, therefore, taking a cautious approach in responding to the statement attributed to the present last week.
Nxumalo offered that government would familiarise itself first with the perspective of the president in respect to his pronounced position and if need be, appropriate communication through the normal diplomatic channels would be made.
“However, one must hasten to point out that the Republic of Botswana has good, warm and cordial diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Eswatini. Any misunderstanding real or perceived, should and will be handled without any friction or whatsoever,” he said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation PS Sizwe Ntshanganse is reported to have said Eswatini hasn’t received an official outcome document regarding the briefing session conveyed by President Masisi. He reiterated the diplomatic relations and friendship between Eswatini and Botswana.
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