A new British High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Eswatini has arrived. He is Colin Wells, a career diplomat.
Mr. Wells who was appointed in June, replaces Mr Simon Boyden. He is expected to present his credentials to His Majesty King Mswati lll soon, before beginning his work.
Mr. Wells is a seasoned diplomat. Prior to the Eswatini appointment he was ambassador to Nouakchott, Mauritania since 2021, and prior to that, Consul General in Moscow having also previously served in India and a clutch of African capitals including Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Mr. Wells’ arrived shortly before European Union ambassador, Karsten Mecklenburg. The UK which first interacted with Eswatini during the reign of King Mbhandzeni and committed to preserve the Kingdom’s independence in December 1879 subsequently administered Eswatini as a protectorate in 1903 following Britain’s victory in the Anglo Boer War. All three leaders of Britain from King George lV, Queen Elizabeth ll and King Charles lll have visited Eswatini.
Britain introduced Eswatini to the EU when it was formed, but subsequently left the EU about 5 years ago over disagreements around European immigration policy and desire to retain British sovereignty. The EU is now Eswatini’s most significant development assistance champion.
A significant extended absence in the Kingdom continues to be the American envoy. The USA which built a substantial embassy in Ezulwini a few years ago, has not appointed an ambassador to the Kingdom for three years since Ambassador Jeanne Maloney’s term ended prematurely in December 2022. Her relief, Caitlin Piper assigned to Ezulwnini almost a year later in October 2023, and is still holding the fort.
The jury is still out on John McIntyre who was nominated by the Biden administration in November 2023. A career diplomat promoted from the USA embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, he is still undergoing his government’s parliamentary approval processes.
Jm/today/2.10.2024
