Swaziland celebrates independence by becoming eSwatini
The name Swaziland angers some citizens as it is a mix of Swazi and English
Mbabane — The king of Swaziland, one of the world’s few absolute monarchs, announced on Thursday that his country had changed its name to eSwatini to mark 50 years since independence from British rule. Meaning "place of the Swazi", eSwatini is the country’s Swazi-language name. Unlike some countries, Swaziland did not change its name when it gained independence in 1968 after being a British protectorate for more than 60 years. King Mswati declared the name change during independence day celebrations at a packed sports stadium in the second city of Manzini. "I would like to announce that Swaziland 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 Swaziland angers some citizens as it is a mix of Swazi and English. The move has been mooted for several years, with ...
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