An older video featuring the arrival of King Mswati III of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in Abu Dhabi has recently resurfaced, igniting widespread discussion and criticism regarding the monarch’s lavish lifestyle in contrast with the poverty facing his nation.
Key Details from the Viral Footage
The video captured King Mswati III’s grand entrance at the Abu Dhabi airport with a massive entourage, highlighting the extreme extravagance associated with his absolute monarchy.
| Detail | Description |
| Monarch | King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, who has ruled Eswatini since 1986. |
| Scene | The King is seen stepping off a private jet, dressed in traditional attire. |
| Entourage Size | A text overlay on the clip claims the delegation included 15 wives and 100 aides/servants. Some reports suggest the group also included 30 of his children. |
| Impact | The sheer size of the royal party reportedly caused a temporary disruption at the airport, leading security officials to close multiple terminals for accommodation. |
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The Criticism: A Stark Contrast in Eswatini
The resurfaced footage has drawn sharp public criticism, emphasizing the severe disparity between the King’s personal wealth and the struggles of his people.
💰 Royal Wealth vs. National Poverty
- King’s Fortune: King Mswati III’s personal wealth is reported to exceed $1 billion. He holds stakes in companies spanning construction, tourism, telecommunications, and agriculture.
- National Hardship: Approximately 60% of Eswatini’s population lives below the poverty line. The nation faces a collapsed health and education system, shortages of basic drugs, and rising unemployment (which reached 33.3% in 2021).
📢 Public Reaction
Social media comments highlighted the perceived hypocrisy and excess:
- Users questioned how a country facing such internal shortages could afford a private jet and such a large expenditure for travel.
- Criticism was directed at the King’s opulence while citizens allegedly “have no electricity or running power” and “starve to death.”
👰 Traditional Royal Customs
King Mswati III is known for adhering to and publicly displaying traditional royal customs, most notably the practice of selecting a new bride annually during the Reed Dance ceremony—a ritual that consistently attracts both local admiration and international controversy.