An activist launched a legal challenge to eSwatini's name change

King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland (pictured here in 2017) changed the name of the country in eSwatini last April – a decision that is now disputed by human rights activists who consider it an authoritarian movement

A human rights defender launches a legal challenge to eSwatini's decision to change the name of the country, arguing that it is contrary to the constitution.

Without prior warning, King Mswati III renamed the small kingdom of Swaziland on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his independence. eSwatini means "Swazi land" in Swati language.

The activist Thalane Maseko, who said he brought his case to the High Court, accuses the king of acting outside the constitution and not having

"What law did he use to he when he changed the name of the country? "he says.

"The name of the country is stated in the constitution and the constitution is the supreme law. "

" Ask us if the king can change the constitution by hand by a legal warning, "he added. Critics say the name change is proof of the King's authoritarianism and could result in unnecessary administrative costs. "The spokesman for the government, Percy Simelane, said that eSwatini was the country's name before the era of colonial rule by Britain.

" The king has only restored the official name of the country, that is all. It does not need to consult to do exactly that. "

General elections are scheduled in the country, one of the poorest in Africa, in September

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