Debt Trap Allegation Denied by Eswatini

The Eswatini government denied reports of pledging public assets as collateral for Taiwan loans.

Eswatini reportedly received a loan from Taiwan’s Exim bank to construct the International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel for government offices and meetings.

However, Eswatini’s Economic Planning and Development Minister, Thambo Gina, stated that such an agreement would be against Eswatini laws.

Gina asserted that the bilateral cooperation between Eswatini and Taiwan, which dates back to 1968, conforms to the constitution and the country’s laws.

Eswatini is the only African state and one of 14 countries worldwide with diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The two countries are set to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties in September.