Pray for Eswatini

About Eswatini

The capital is Mbabane. People speak siSwati and English. The largest faith is Christianity.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Eswatini

Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.

Current events

Eswatini has received 31 people deported from the United States since 2025. Ten have been sent on to other countries and 21 remain in Eswatini awaiting return. Civil society groups have challenged the agreement in court, and Amnesty International has raised concerns about detention and legal access. The government says the United States covers the costs.

We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.

Leadership and politics

Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. The King is Mswati III, and the Prime Minister, appointed by the King, is Russell Mmiso Dlamini, in office since November 2023. Under the Tinkhundla system candidates stand as individuals and political parties cannot compete in elections. The last election was held in September 2023, and elections are held every five years.

We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.

Economic health

Unemployment was about 38% in 2023, and for young people about 65%. The IMF estimates that about 59% of people live below the poverty line, and Eswatini is one of the most unequal countries in the world. The economy is closely tied to South Africa, which takes about 65% of exports, and customs union payments provide about 40% of government revenue.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

About 97% of the people are Swazi, and siSwati and English are the official languages. HIV affects about a quarter of adults, among the highest rates in the world. Poverty, joblessness among the young and political divisions weigh on many families, and rural women and children are among the most vulnerable.

We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.

Spiritual landscape

Religious leaders estimate that about 90% of people are Christian, according to the 2023 US State Department report. Zionist churches, which blend Christian and traditional practice, are about 40%, and Catholics about 20%, with Anglicans, Methodists, Adventists and others. Muslims are about 2%. Zionist churches are widely followed in rural areas, and Christians are found across the nation.

We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.

Religious freedom

The constitution protects freedom of religion, including the right to change one's faith, and religious groups must register. The US State Department reports that Christian teaching is mandatory in public schools under a 2017 directive, with no way to opt out. Some faith leaders say Zionist practice is favoured, and Muslim leaders report suspicion in some rural areas.

We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.

Historical wounds

Eswatini became independent from Britain on 6 September 1968. A 1973 decree suspended the constitution, and a new constitution followed in 2005. In 2021 protests calling for reform were met by security forces, and at least 20 people were killed, leaving grief and division. The nation was renamed from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018.

We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Eswatini. Protect every person caught up in the deportation agreement, and give them safety and fair treatment. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to the King, the Prime Minister and all who lead. Provide work for the young and daily bread for every family, and grant honest stewardship of the nation's wealth. Protect women, children and all living with HIV, and bring peace where there is division. Let Your truth and hope be known in every church, and keep people of every faith free to worship. Heal the wounds of 2021, and lead Eswatini in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

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