Strategic Solidarity and the Importance of Eswatini’S US Partnership

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Strategic Solidarity and the Importance of Eswatini'S US Partnership
Strategic Solidarity and the Importance of Eswatini'S US Partnership

Africa-Press – Eswatini. The recent announcement by the USA Department of Homeland Security regarding the temporary custody of five third-country deportees in Eswatini has sparked considerable debate among our citizens. However, as we navigate this discussion, it is crucial to examine this development through the lens of our broader strategic partnership with the United States, a relationship that has been a cornerstone of our nation’s socioeconomic development for over five decades.

When we reflect on the scale of American investment in Eswatini’s development, the current arrangement should not be viewed as a burden, but rather as a modest reciprocal gesture to a nation that has consistently shown unwavering commitment to our well-being. Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) alone, the United States invests approximately $80 million annually in our healthcare system—a figure that far outweighs the temporary administrative cost of housing five individuals in secure government custody.

This investment has yielded transformative results. With American support, Eswatini has made remarkable strides toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, evolving from a country once grappling with the world’s highest HIV prevalence into a beacon of hope in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. These achievements are not mere statistics, they represent lives saved: our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers who continue to contribute meaningfully to national progress.

The economic dimensions of our relationship with the United States extend well beyond healthcare. The Coca-Cola Concentrate Company (CONCO), a subsidiary of the American multinational, has created quality employment opportunities for thousands of EmaSwati and established Eswatini as a strategic manufacturing hub in Southern Africa. This investment could have been located in any number of African nations, yet American investors chose Eswatini, a clear testament to the trust built through decades of reliable partnership.

Our participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has opened American markets to Swazi exports, particularly in textiles and apparel, generating employment and much-needed foreign exchange that enhances our economic resilience. As we look forward to AGOA’s renewal, our continued constructive engagement with the United States reinforces our credibility as a dependable partner deserving of preferential access.

Perhaps the most enduring aspect of this partnership lies in the investment in Swazi human capital. Through programs like the Fulbright Scholarships and other exchange initiatives, thousands of EmaSwati have accessed world-class education in American universities. These scholars return with skills that enrich both the public and private sectors, enhancing our nation’s capacity for innovation and governance.

The presence of respected American institutions and NGOs such as Georgetown University, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ICAP, and The Luke Commission, among others—has created a vibrant development ecosystem. Their work touches virtually every sector of our society. Furthermore, institutions like Waterford Kamhlaba continue to facilitate access to American education, ensuring that future generations of EmaSwati benefit from this educational partnership.

Our Constitution is unambiguous on foreign policy: the government must act in the interest and protection of EmaSwati. The current arrangement with the United States is a practical manifestation of this principle. As Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli emphasized, the five individuals “pose no threat to the country or its citizens” and are being held in secure, isolated facilities under strict supervision.

Meanwhile, many other countries face visa restrictions, citizen deportations, or strained diplomatic relations with the United States. Eswatini’s willingness to assist our long-standing partner has ensured continued access to 10-year US visas, preserved diplomatic goodwill, and protected access to American markets and institutions.

Our foreign policy alignment with the United States on key global matters, such as support for Israel and our balanced international posture, demonstrates a mature, pragmatic approach to international relations. While principled positions may sound ideal in isolation, real leadership requires a strategic view that secures our nation’s long-term development and global standing.

Our continued relationship with Taiwan, in alignment with American policy on China, reflects our support for democratic values and illustrates that principle and pragmatism can go hand in hand. This approach positions Eswatini as a trusted and credible partner in an increasingly complex global environment.

It is essential for us, as EmaSwati, to resist the temptation to allow short-term political opinions to overshadow the deep, institutional ties that bind our two nations. The United States is defined not by any single administration, but by enduring institutions, shared values, and a legacy of global commitments. Our partnership with America predates current administrations and will endure beyond political transitions on both sides.

Those advocating for a confrontational stance toward the United States overlook the fact that such a move would jeopardize a relationship that has consistently delivered tangible benefits to our people. Critics have yet to propose viable alternative pathways that match the scope of opportunity provided by our American partnership.

Looking ahead, the temporary custody of five individuals is a minor administrative matter—especially when weighed against the vast development assistance we receive from the United States. The International Organization for Migration will oversee their eventual repatriation, ensuring the arrangement remains short-term and manageable.

Our leadership’s decision to support the United States in this matter reflects the wisdom of reciprocal diplomacy. In global affairs—as in personal relationships, trust is earned through reliability and mutual respect. By honoring this request, we reaffirm Eswatini’s credibility as a responsible international partner and protect ongoing investment in our health, education, economy, and regional security.

The relationship between Eswatini and the United States stands as one of the most successful North-South partnerships in Africa. Built on shared interests and mutual respect, it has transformed our healthcare system, expanded educational access, created jobs, and reinforced our standing as a stable force in the region.

As we confront the global challenges of the 21st century—from climate change to economic transformation—having the United States as a committed partner provides us with unmatched resources, technical expertise, and international connectivity. Far from being a burden, the current arrangement is an investment in the continuation of a partnership that has already brought us so far, and can take us even further.

Our Constitution demands that foreign policy serve the interests of EmaSwati. By nurturing our strong relationship with the United States, we are securing opportunities not only for today but for generations to come. This is not just sound diplomacy, it is essential statecraft for a nation charting its course in an interconnected world.

The choice is clear: we can either embrace the proven benefits of our longstanding partnership with the United States or risk these gains to satisfy critics who offer no meaningful alternatives. For the sake of our children and our future, let us choose wisely.

Source: Eswatini Positive News – News Website

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