An old video of King Mswati III of Eswatini arriving in Abu Dhabi has gone viral, highlighting the monarch’s extravagant lifestyle. The footage, originally shared in July, shows the king disembarking from a private jet accompanied by 15 wives, around 100 aides, and approximately 30 children. Reports indicate the royal party disrupted operations at Abu Dhabi airport, necessitating the closure of multiple terminals to accommodate the large delegation.
Public reaction on social media has been largely critical, with users contrasting the king’s wealth with the poverty faced by many citizens of Eswatini. Commenters have pointed out issues such as lack of electricity and running water in the kingdom, questioning the implications of such opulence amid widespread poverty. King Mswati III, who has ruled since 1986, is known for his substantial personal fortune, which exceeds $1 billion, and comes from various industries including agriculture and tourism. Despite the wealth of the royal family, Eswatini deals with significant economic challenges, such as high unemployment rates and educational disparities. Nearly 60% of the population reportedly lives below the poverty line, and public services, including health care, remain underfunded.
The resurfacing of the video has sparked renewed discussions about monarchy, wealth disparity, and accountability, particularly in regions where citizens experience economic difficulties.
Public reaction on social media has been largely critical, with users contrasting the king’s wealth with the poverty faced by many citizens of Eswatini. Commenters have pointed out issues such as lack of electricity and running water in the kingdom, questioning the implications of such opulence amid widespread poverty. King Mswati III, who has ruled since 1986, is known for his substantial personal fortune, which exceeds $1 billion, and comes from various industries including agriculture and tourism. Despite the wealth of the royal family, Eswatini deals with significant economic challenges, such as high unemployment rates and educational disparities. Nearly 60% of the population reportedly lives below the poverty line, and public services, including health care, remain underfunded.
The resurfacing of the video has sparked renewed discussions about monarchy, wealth disparity, and accountability, particularly in regions where citizens experience economic difficulties.
- Why it matters: This incident raises awareness about the economic disparities in Eswatini and questions the sustainability of absolute monarchies amidst rising poverty rates.
- The latest: Social media engagement continues to grow, with debates ongoing regarding the ethics of wealth concentration in royal families.
Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/viral-video-african-kings-grand-entry-in-uae-with-15-wives-100-servants-internet-fumes-his-people-live-without-electricity-or-water/articleshow/124354379.cms
Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/new-updates/viral-video-african-kings-grand-entry-in-uae-with-15-wives-100-servants-internet-fumes-his-people-live-without-electricity-or-water/articleshow/124354379.cms