history of Eswatini

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, landlocked country located in Southern Africa. Its history is shaped by indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and a long-standing monarchy. Eswatini is one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world. Here’s an overview of the key events in the history of Eswatini:

Early History and Formation of the Kingdom
The history of Eswatini dates back to the early settlement of the Nguni people, who are believed to have arrived in the region over 1,000 years ago. The ancestors of the Swazi people were part of the Nguni ethnic group, which includes the Zulu, Xhosa, and Ndebele peoples. The Swazi people have a rich oral history that traces their origins back to a leader named Dlamini, who is regarded as the founding ancestor of the Swazi royal family.

Formation of the Kingdom
The Swazi people settled in the region during the early 18th century and gradually consolidated power under King Ngwane III (reigned 1745–1780), who is credited with uniting several different clans and establishing the core of the Swazi kingdom. The kingdom was founded in what is now Eswatini, as the Swazi people began to organize into a centralized monarchy with a hereditary leadership system.

Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, the kingdom endured various external threats, including invasions by other African groups and colonizing powers. Despite these challenges, the Swazi people were able to maintain their autonomy and continue to build the foundations of the kingdom.

European Exploration and Colonization (19th Century)
The arrival of European powers in Southern Africa during the 19th century significantly affected the Swazi kingdom. European explorers, traders, and missionaries entered the region, and tensions between the indigenous groups and colonial powers increased.

The British and the Boers
By the mid-19th century, British and Dutch-descended Boer colonists were expanding their territories in Southern Africa, and the Swazi kingdom found itself surrounded by competing colonial powers.
In the 1840s, the Swazi monarchy under King Mswati II (reigned 1840–1865) managed to maintain some degree of autonomy through a series of strategic alliances with the British and Boer settlers. However, the Swazi kingdom was often caught in the middle of conflicts between the colonial powers, including the Zulu Kingdom to the southeast.
British Protectorate (1903–1968)
In the early 20th century, the Swazi kingdom came under increasing pressure from British colonial rule. In 1903, Swaziland became a British protectorate after the kingdom was forced to sign a treaty that ceded some of its power to the British authorities. While Swaziland remained nominally independent with a local king, its political and economic decisions were influenced by the British colonial administration.

During the period of the British protectorate, the country experienced the development of some infrastructure, such as railways and roads, but also saw the introduction of colonial policies that affected land ownership and indigenous governance structures. Swazi royalty maintained a significant role in the administration of the country, but colonial authorities had the final say on many matters.

Struggle for Independence and Modern Era (1960s–Present)
In the mid-20th century, the Swazi people began to demand greater political autonomy, and a wave of independence movements swept across Africa. Swaziland, like many other African countries, moved toward independence from European colonial rule.

The Road to Independence
After World War II, the British colonial authorities allowed for some degree of political reform. In 1963, Swaziland gained a degree of self-government, and in 1967, a new constitution was enacted that gave more power to the Swazi monarchy while retaining certain British influences.

Swaziland gained full independence on September 6, 1968, with King Sobhuza II (reigned 1921–1982) as the head of state. Independence was achieved peacefully, and the monarchy remained at the heart of the country’s political system. King Sobhuza II played a key role in securing the nation’s independence and preserving the monarchy’s authority.

Post-Independence Period under King Sobhuza II
After independence, King Sobhuza II reasserted the power of the monarchy and abolished the constitution in 1973, ruling by decree as an absolute monarch. He took control of the government, and all political parties were banned, effectively centralizing power in the royal family.

King Sobhuza II ruled for more than six decades, becoming one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history. His reign was marked by efforts to preserve traditional Swazi culture and political structures, including the Ngwenyama (the king) and Ludzidzini (the queen mothers). His leadership brought stability to the country, but it also resulted in a lack of political freedoms and democracy.

King Mswati III and Modern Challenges (1982–Present)
After King Sobhuza II’s death in 1982, his son, King Mswati III, ascended the throne. Mswati III, the last reigning monarch of Eswatini, continued his father’s policies of maintaining a centralized, absolute monarchy. Mswati III’s reign has been marked by both economic growth and significant political unrest.

King Mswati III’s rule has been characterized by significant economic growth, partly fueled by Eswatini’s agricultural exports and its status as a major producer of sugar. However, much of the wealth has been concentrated in the hands of the royal family and a small elite, while the majority of the population continues to live in poverty. Eswatini’s dependence on traditional agriculture has been a significant factor in the country’s slow pace of development.

Political and Social Challenges
Eswatini has faced growing political dissatisfaction in recent years, with calls for greater democracy and an end to the monarchy’s absolute power. In 2005, King Mswati III implemented a new constitution that theoretically allowed for more political freedoms, including the creation of a parliament, but political parties remain banned, and the monarchy retains absolute control over the country.

In 2018, Eswatini was officially renamed from Swaziland to Eswatini, which means “land of the Swazis” in the native language. The renaming marked the 50th anniversary of independence and the 25th anniversary of King Mswati III’s reign.

Protests and Calls for Reform: In recent years, there have been protests calling for political reforms, greater democracy, and an end to poverty and inequality. These protests were met with a heavy government crackdown, including the use of force against demonstrators. Many Swazis and international observers have criticized the government for its authoritarian practices and lack of political freedoms.

Economic Development and Modern Challenges
Eswatini’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, with industries such as sugar, forestry, and textiles contributing to its GDP. However, the country faces challenges, including a high unemployment rate, widespread poverty, and a HIV/AIDS epidemic, which affects a significant portion of the population.

Eswatini is one of the few African countries to have retained an absolute monarchy, and the king’s influence over the economy and political life remains strong. The royal family controls much of the country’s wealth, which has led to concerns about corruption and inequality. Efforts at democratic reforms have been slow and met with resistance from the monarchy and ruling elites.

Conclusion
Eswatini’s history is defined by its enduring monarchy, struggles for independence, and ongoing political challenges. While the country has made strides in terms of economic development and infrastructure, it continues to face significant challenges related to governance, political freedoms, and poverty. The future of Eswatini depends on balancing traditional institutions with the demands of a modern, democratic society, while also addressing the economic and social needs of its people.