The latest news and top stories on King Mswati III, the monarch of eSwatini. As Africa’s last absolute monarch, he ascended to the throne in 1986, wielding ultimate authority over government branches and controlling local governance. He is commander-in-chief of the defence force and police. His reign saw the country renamed from Swaziland to eSwatini in 2018 to shed its colonial past. While focusing on education, sustainable development and cultural heritage, his rule has faced criticism for its autocratic nature, lavish spending and alleged human rights abuses amidst pro-democracy protests. He recently ordered arrests for corruption.