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S:A=ILAND - The king of Swa]iland, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, has announced that his country has changed its name to the Kingdom of eSwatini to mark years since independence from British rule. Meaning “place of the Swa]i”, eSwatini is the Swa]i language name for the tiny state landlocked between South Africa and Mo]ambique. 8nlike some countries, Swa]iland did not change its name when it gained independence in after being a British protectorate for more than years. King Mswati III declared the name change during independence day celebrations at a packed sports stadium in the second city of Man]ini. “I would like to announce that Swa]iland will now revert to its original name,” he said, wearing red military uniform. “African countries on getting independence reverted to their ancient names before they were colonised. So from now on, the country will be officially be known as the Kingdom of eSwatini.” The name Swa]iland angers some citi]ens as it is a mix of Swa]i and (nglish. The move had been mooted for years, with lawmakers considering the issue in . The king had used the new name in previous official speeches. Mswati, who was crowned in aged
, rules by decree. 3olitical parties are banned from taking part in elections and only candidates approved by chiefs loyal to the king can stand for office. The country has a population of about . million people. The name change could mean the country’s constitution is rewritten, as well as changes for the royal Swa]iland police force, the Swa]iland defence force and the 8niversity of Swa]iland. After independence, Rhodesia became =imbabwe, Nyasaland became Malawi, and Bechuanaland became Botswana.
(AFP)