Swazi Observer

FULL STORY

GOVERNMENT TO ENGAGE US OVER TRUMP’S AID FREEZE

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi | 2025-01-31

Government has moved to assure the nation that it will seek to engage with the United States of America (USA) following the suspension of foreign aid.

In a statement issued yesterday, government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said government had noted the concerns by the public following the ‘abrupt freezing of foreign aid pending a review’ by President Donald Trump’s administration.

As such, Nxumalo assured that diplomatic efforts were underway to address the sudden suspension of foreign aid, adding that a meeting was slated for this week with the US Embassy.

Nxumalo further acknowledged the public’s concerns about the potential impact of the aid freeze, which could have devastating consequences for developing nations such as Eswatini.
However, he emphasised that the US was within its sovereign right to prioritise its national interests through the ‘America First’ policy.

“Whilst acknowledging the devastating impact that this Executive Order will have on developing nations such as ours, it is equally important to acknowledge that the United States is within their sovereign right to put ‘America First’. Therefore, as a sovereign nation ourselves, we are obligated to respect other nations' decisions,” Nxumalo stated.

He stated that government considers this a matter of urgent priority. Nxumalo said, therefore, arrangements to engage the United States, through diplomatic channels, had already been made. He said as such, the Minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation will be meeting with the United States Embassy in Eswatini this week for further appraisal on this matter.

“Government will keep the nation updated of developments in that regard. In the meantime, government implores emaswati to remain positive as we await the conclusion of this matter,” Nxumalo stated.

The US has been one of Eswatini’s key development partners, particularly in the health sector.
Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Washington invested millions of dollars annually in combating HIV/AIDS in Eswatini, a country which was considered to have one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. Other forms of aid have supported economic development, governance, and education programmes.

Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid aligns with his administration’s broader policy of reassessing US financial commitments abroad, particularly to countries perceived as overly dependent on American assistance. Economists have stated that any prolonged disruption could severely impact ongoing health initiatives, particularly access to life-saving antiretroviral treatment.

Government has urged emaswati to remain positive as diplomatic engagements unfold, promising to keep the public informed of developments. However, analysts warn that if the US maintains the freeze, Eswatini may need to explore alternative funding sources, including increased reliance on international financial institutions or regional partners.

As the nation awaits further updates, concerns are mounting over the potential strain on public healthcare and other aid-dependent sectors. The upcoming meeting between Eswatini and US officials will likely be a critical moment in determining the country’s next steps in mitigating the fallout from Trump’s policy shift.

share story