Africa-Press – Eswatini. Leaders of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) have praised the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III as a Resource Mobilisation Champion for the organisation.
They hailed the King for exceeded expectations by raising 12.8 million Euros (approximately E255 million), which is 2.8 million Euros more than the initial target of 10 million Euros.
Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi, whose country contributed one million Euros, was among the leaders who praised the King. He stated that no one was better suited to lead this resource mobilisation effort than His Majesty, noting that the King’s role had been endorsed by the entire membership of the 79 member states.
Dr Nchimbi pledged his country’s continued commitment to the objectives of the OACPS and conveyed President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s gratitude for the excellent work done by His Majesty the King in saving the organisation.
OACPS Secretary General Moussa Saleh Batraki thanked His Majesty for his timely intervention, stating that without his help, the organisation would have struggled to keep the lights on in its Brussels offices.
Batraki told leaders at the roundtable session during the 11th Summit that, before His Majesty assumed the role of Resource Mobilisation Champion, the organisation had been facing a 12 million Euro debt. It was struggling to hold in-person meetings and meet its staff obligations.
The European Union was reportedly unhappy with the situation and had suspended its funding until member states took responsibility. It was at that point that His Majesty the King was approached to lead the exercise, which received overwhelming support from OACPS leaders.
Working with Eswatini’s Ambassador in Brussels, Sibusisiwe Mngometulu, the King tasked him with engaging all OACPS members and writing letters urging them to contribute above their normal subscriptions to save the organisation.
Ambassador Mngometulu said the King’s message was clear: members must reassert the importance of the OACPS and take it upon themselves to rescue the organisation rather than relying entirely on the European Union.
He added that the OACPS is pursuing reforms in executive management and focusing on building stronger, fairer, and more inclusive financial systems to regain confidence.
The President of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Assembly, Patrick Achi, was also among the leaders who expressed delight at the King’s efforts. He said African leaders were pleased with His Majesty’s leadership in mobilising resources and pledged their support to both the King and the OACPS.
Several speakers explicitly or implicitly commended the King for leading by example, for dedicating his time to advancing the organisation’s resource mobilisation initiative. Others acknowledged his guiding role and vision in strengthening the OACPS’s institutional and financial sustainability, noting that his efforts are encouraging trust and consistent contributions going forward.
His Majesty the King, as leader of the resource mobilisation drive, pledged 1.5 million Euros. Equatorial Guinea followed with a contribution of 5 million Euros, Angola with 3 million Euros, and Mozambique with 1 million Euros.
During the roundtable session facilitated by the King, many other African, Caribbean and Pacific countries pledged to contribute, pushing the total beyond the 12.8 million Euros already raised.
KING HAS RESTORED CONFIDENCE IN THE OACPS – MINISTER SHAKANTU
MALABO, EQUALTORIAL GUINEA – Foreign Affairs Minister, Pholile Shakantu, has expressed sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King for his proactive leadership and dedication to addressing the organization’s pressing challenges.
She said the King’s indispensable role has helped restore stability and fostered a renewed spirit of cooperation within the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
When asked to comment on the resoundingly succesful resource mobilisation efforts of His Majesty, the minister, who also played a key role in executing the king’s mandate in the resuscitation of the OACPS, retraced the journey leading to the current developments.
“During Eswatini’s tenure as President of the Council of Ministers, we reported the concerning financial situation facing the organization, highlighting the alarming issue of unpaid salaries for some employees. His Majesty’s deep concern reflects his commitment to the organization’s well-being and the welfare of its members,” she said.
The minister said the King’s immediate willingness to accept the request from OACPS member states to champion resource mobilization exemplified his proactive leadership and dedication to addressing the organization’s pressing challenges.
“His Majesty firmly believes in the principles of multilateralism and is committed to ensuring that the OACPS evolves with strengthened institutional resilience and enhanced self-reliance. This vision not only encompasses an efficient and financially secure organization but also one capable of asserting a strong, unified voice on the global stage,” she stated.
Minister Shakantu highlighted that the OACPS serves as a significant political force, dedicated to representing the interests of its 79 member states and the 1.1 billion people they collectively represent.
“We are particularly grateful to His Majesty for revitalizing the OACPS and motivating us to pursue collaborative efforts that benefit all member states. His leadership has instilled a sense of confidence and laid the foundation for a successful future for the OACPS,” she said.
