The Kingdom of Eswatini is facing growing public criticism after revelations that it owes more than $260 million (over R4 billion) to Taiwan.
The loans were reportedly secured to complete the construction of King Mswati’s lavish International Convention Centre (ICC) and the adjacent Five-Star Hotel (FISH), both prestige infrastructure projects linked to the monarchy.
Despite mounting questions, Taiwanese Ambassador Jeremy Liang declined to comment on the debt, referring inquiries to the Eswatini Government.
Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli also refused to provide a statement on the matter.
The financial dealings between Eswatini and Taiwan have come under further scrutiny following Taiwan’s recent win of a R5.2 billion tender to construct the country’s Strategic Oil Reserve.
The announcement coincided with a deepening health emergency within Eswatini’s public sector, drawing sharp contrast between state spending on luxury projects and neglect of essential services.
Hospitals across the country are reeling from severe drug shortages, with reports of dozens of patients dying due to lack of basic medical supplies.
Despite the escalating crisis, the government has made no public effort to secure loans or funding for critical medical procurement.
The desperation reached a breaking point last week when health workers staged a protest, marching to the Ministry of Health to deliver a petition demanding urgent intervention and provision of working equipment.
Their plea followed incidents in which distressed patients reportedly turned violent, expressing their frustration over deteriorating healthcare services.
Public sentiment is increasingly turning against the government’s spending priorities, with growing calls for transparency and accountability.
As the country’s debt burden rises, citizens continue to grapple with a crumbling health system and unmet basic needs, fuelling broader concerns about governance and social justice in the kingdom.
Source: swazilandnews
