The dialogue, held at Ezulwini, covered a wide range of issues including political and legislative matters, human rights, the rule of law, development cooperation and trade, as well some regional and global issues.

EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, led the EU side, which comprised six other Ambassadors from EU Member States (Germany, Finland, France, Ireland, The Netherlands and Spain) accredited to Eswatini but based in Pretoria and Maputo as well as senior diplomats from Belgium, Portugal and Sweden. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Pholile Shakantu, led the government side, which comprised four Cabinet Ministers and other government officials. Ambassador Choumelova and Minister Shakantu co-chaired the dialogue.

During the discussions, the EU received an update from the government of Eswatini on the country’s preparedness for its upcoming national elections to be held on 29 September 2023 as well as preparations for a long awaited national dialogue aimed at not only easing the political tensions in the country but also shaping the Kingdom’s political future. The government assured the EU that the dialogue will be convened as soon as the elections are over and a new government is in place.

On human rights matters, the EU was briefed on the investigations into the assassination of human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko, who was cold-bloodedly gunned down on 21 January 2023 in front of his wife and children whilst at his home at KaLuhleko, in the Manzini region. The EU took the opportunity to brief the government on the implications of the European Parliament resolution of 16 February 2023 on the human rights situation in Eswatini taken in the wake of Maseko’s assassination. As a way forward, the EU proposed the establishment of a Human Rights Dialogue with Eswatini to be held annually between the two partners.

The EU also got an update from the government on the continued incarceration of the two Members of Parliament (MPs), Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, who, on the eve of the dialogue (01 June 2023), were both found guilty by the High Court on three counts of terrorism, murder and inciting violence. Their charges emanated from the June 2021 political uprising in Eswatini, which left at least 46 people dead and hundreds injured after security forces shot at them.

On EU cooperation with Eswatini, the National Authorizing Officer (NAO) gave an overview on the still ongoing 11^th EDF programmes in the country, mainly in the sector of agriculture and private sector development.

The EU then updated the government on the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP), which the EU will be implementing in Eswatini for the period 2021 – 2027 focusing mainly on empowering youth and women with skills, income generation and employment through a series of interventions to improve access to formal and non-formal education. Projects will be designed to support durable peace, long-term stability across the country and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The EU also presented to the government the other thematic programmes under the NDICI Global Europe, complementing the new national programme, and in particular the Human Rights and Democracy and Civil Society Organisations, giving an overview of projects already ongoing under them.

The partners further made exchanges on the rule of law and judicial matters, including the registration of Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM), and LGBTIQ+ association, and the enforcement of legislation to curb gender-based violence.