An activist has launched a legal challenge to the change of name of eSwatini – Africa

A human rights activist has launched a legal challenge against the decision of the King of eSwatini to change the name of the country, arguing that it is contrary to the constitution

Without advance warning, King Mswati III renamed the small kingdom of Swaziland on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his independence in April

eSwatini means "the land of Swazi" in Swati language .

Thalane activist Maseko, who says he brought his case before the High Court accuses the king of acting outside the constitution and not having consulted the nation.

"What law did he use when he changed the name of the country?", He said [19659002"Lenomdupaysisenunciatedintheconstitutionandtheconstitutionisthefirst"

" Let us ask if the king can unilaterally modify the constitution by legal means, "he added.

Critics say the name change is the King's proof & # 39; authoritarianism and could result in unnecessary administration costs.

The government spokesman, Percy Simelane, said that eSwatini was the country's name before the era of colonial rule by Britain.

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

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