Swaziland King renames country 'Kingdom of eSwatini’

20 April 2018 10:05 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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King Mswati III of Swaziland had announced on Wednesday that he was renaming the country as "the Kingdom of eSwatini", BBC reported a short while ago.

The monarch has announced the official change in a stadium during celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Swazi independence. The celebrations also marked the king's 50th birthday.

The new name, eSwatini, means "land of the Swazis". The change was unexpected, but King Mswati has been referring to Swaziland for years as eSwatini.

It was the name the king used when he addressed the UN general assembly in 2017 and at the state opening of the country's parliament in 2014.

He explained that the name had caused some confusion, saying: "Whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland."

The BBC's Nomsa Maseko in Swaziland has said the announcement of the name change has angered some in the country, who believe the king should focus more on the nation's sluggish economy.

Swaziland's leadership has been criticised by human rights activists for banning political parties and discriminating against women.

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Comments - 16

Kaput Friday, 20 April 2018 10:10 PM

This is what most underdeveloped countries do. Changing names, installing religious monuments etc. How many memorable road names in Colombo changed in recent years to ugly ridiculous names. Because they dont have anything constructive to do.

Manik Saturday, 21 April 2018 02:32 PM

Did you refer to the new Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka Road in Maradana?

Prem Saturday, 21 April 2018 02:20 AM

Maybe after 2020 Sri Lanka will be renamed as ‘Rajapakse Thveepaya’

RR Saturday, 21 April 2018 06:13 PM

OR just "yahapalana fake republi"...

Jagath Leanage Saturday, 21 April 2018 06:15 AM

Had Mahinda came to power for the third time , Sri Lanka too would have become "mahindaland" or "rajapasseland".

Cobra Saturday, 21 April 2018 06:20 AM

What's in a name after all?

Dee Saturday, 21 April 2018 06:41 AM

The deep south of Sri Lanka should be re named "eMaRa".

Buddhi Perera Saturday, 21 April 2018 06:42 AM

We were about to do that!

Ranil Saturday, 21 April 2018 07:13 AM

Swasi king should appoint our MARA as a special adviser

DN Saturday, 21 April 2018 07:14 AM

MR could have changed the Sri Lanka as "Kingdom of eMahinda"

Dinesh Saturday, 21 April 2018 07:48 AM

Should have named it RAJAPAKISTHAN!

Ceylon Saturday, 21 April 2018 08:07 AM

Srilanka had nice names for centuries,lakdiwa,lankadeepa,taproben,serandip,ceylonbut now using a stupid name as democratic socialist republic of srilanka.change it to natural name as republic of lanka.

Sambo Saturday, 21 April 2018 08:08 AM

What a joke. He probably got this idea from one of our politicians.

aza Saturday, 21 April 2018 03:13 PM

This is the dictator ,who is destroying the countries economy for personal gains and is good friend or Rajapaksha ,not sure why MR was not invited to the celebrations

JOLLY LAD Saturday, 21 April 2018 08:54 PM

OH ! The best friend of Asiyawe Ascharyaya !

Rathu gonna Sunday, 22 April 2018 09:17 PM

Another banana republic by any name. Just change the name and beg the self supporting nation's for funds troop up decrepit rulers. MAHINDA was no better in Sri Lanka.

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Swaziland King renames country 'Kingdom of eSwatini’

Comments - 16

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