For its autocratic African ally, Taiwan bites its tongue and opens its wallet

For its autocratic African ally, Taiwan bites its tongue and opens its wallet

Democratic values don’t stop Taipei from offering aid and debt-trap loans to eSwatini – its sole remaining diplomatic partner on the continent and Africa’s last absolute monarchy

King Mswati III is the son of King Sobhuza II, the first post-independence ruler, and one of his 70 wives. The kingdom briefly made headlines in 2023 when human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko, who had spent years agitating for an end to absolute monarchy, was shot dead in his home. The government denied that its security forces were responsible. While major governments condemned the killing, Taipei stayed silent.