SD spends too much on the army - CIA

MBABANE – As Swaziland grapples with a financial crisis it has also been found that government is spending too much on its army.

The 2011 Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Factbook carries what is termed as latest statistics which show Swaziland reportedly spending more money on the army than any other country in the SADC region and ranks 13th in the world. The comparison has been made in terms of the percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) that a country spends on the army. It must be noted that the CIA based its information on statistics dating between 2005 and 2010 for the various countries but when it comes to Swaziland the data is for 2006.

In the entire African continent, Swaziland reportedly ranks third after Burundi and Morocco who are ranked eighth and 11th in the world respectively. The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.

The statistics come at a time when there has been a public outcry over government’s priorities in terms of expenditure as even a recently tabled supplementary budget made a provision for a further E64m request for the army.

The National Public Servants and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) Secretary General Vincent Dlamini said they have been concerned over the spending pattern of government for a while.

"Swaziland is not even involved in peacekeeping operations and therefore we have a problem with government militarising the country," he said.

Dlamini said government had got its priorities all wrong as it should be focusing on health, education, job creation and infrastructure development so as to resuscitate the country’s economy. Dlamini said the best way for government to defend itself was by providing enough services for the people.

"Let government assist SMEs so as to create more jobs. Once we have more people working then people will be happy and there would be social stability. Let us focus on that, not the military," he added.

According to the CIA, Swaziland spent 4.7 per cent of GDP on the army while Burundi and Morocco spent 5.9 per cent and five per cent respectively.

An analysis of the statistics suggests that the kingdom’s military expenditure surpasses that of the United States of America and war-ravaged Libya.

The USA, which is one of the world’s ‘superpowers’ spends 4.06 per cent of its GDP on the army and is ranked 24th in the world.

Libya, which is fresh from an uprising that cost the life of its leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, spends 3.9 per cent of GDP on the army and ranks 25th in the world. Rwanda is ranked 26th in the world and at a spending of 2.9 per cent of GDP on the army at the time of the statistics.

In the SADC region, Zimbabwe spends 3.8 per cent, Namibia allocates 3.7 percent; Botswana spends 3.3 per cent, Lesotho spends 2.6 per cent; South Africa spends 1.7 per cent and Mozambique is at 0.8 per cent. Zimbabwe ranks 18th in the world, Namibia 19th, Botswana 23rd, Lesotho 29th, South Africa 43rd and Mozambique is positioned 54th.

In the 2011/2012 budget estimates, Swaziland’s Ministry of Defence was allocated a head total of E623 219 583 of which E523 571 352 was specifically for activity 12 (Defence).

These statistics have not yet been put in account for the CIA website.

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an independent US Government agency responsible for providing national security intelligence to senior US policymakers.

I think the govt realy needs to cut its spending in the army. Ths people are just economy drainers bcoz they dont contribute to our economy! We cant spend this carelessly!
Nov 18, 2011, 3:22 AM, jesty (hlanyox@yahoo.com)

It is amazing how the CIA Factbook is now regarded as the overall authority on facts and statistics about countries. This CIA Factbook is a propaganda tool of the USA and nothing else. Who really is interested what the CIA thinks of Swaziland and in all honesty why should it matter. For as long as we allow America and Europe to judge our internal affairs we are doomed. Mr Editor I suggest you do a little research on how much the USA spends on all the wars that it is currently involved in, specifically Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and now Uganda. Please do publish your findings.
Nov 18, 2011, 3:22 AM, Lobusika Dlamini

Mr. Editor, militarising the country does not solve the country's problem. Infact it shows how short-sighted our leaders are. Instead it will create monsters out of the soldiers. When they have it all they will no longer care about "orders". Abayifunte le-ngwenya sitobona kutsi itawentani maseyikhulile. Lobusika, comparisons are done on ratio basis. For instance if you earn E100 and spend E50 on rent then your rent is 50% of your income. Someone else earns E1,000 but pays E100 rent, a 10% rent pay. regardless of the amounts, the ratios are what you compare. The US spends less than us (ratio) because they earn better than us. Besides, we don't have the money nor any obligations that require an army.
Nov 18, 2011, 10:55 AM, Duma Ndlovu (sgubhusemali@gmail.com)

It's very sad to see the priorities of our government. There is no threat of war in the country but there are only calls for democracy which has proven to be the best political system worldwide. The government's attitude shows that it's not prepared to do away with Tinkhundla yet the system has dismally failed the Swazi nation since it's inception. Swaziland can do without the army and that's a fact, what's their job actually? If the people revolt, the goverment and the authorities must blame themselves. It would be better to change while we can than to be forced by circumstances.
Nov 18, 2011, 12:29 PM, Banele (banelea@ymail.com)

Indeed, the army is a fattening ranch in the literal sense. Just look at the pumpkins who claim to be soldiers! This is just an institution created for loitering around and beating up people whenever they get bored. The only positive assignment is to look after the royal household, and that being the case we do not need so many of these loafers; i guess we have over 2000! Nov 18, 2011, 2:33 PM, Andile (ngimigee@yahoo.com)

Why are army seniors given food on top of the hefty salaries they alredy earning, ah lokwabonwa maswati nganati tinkhundla
Nov 18, 2011, 2:33 PM, economist

The army is not the one finishing the money.. its just a front to get the money... and presently the situation is much worse.. ie. the SD army is using more than ever of the national budget, I would not be surprised if it were closer to 8 % by now.. and at least 60% does not end up with the soldiers.. just do the maths.. 3000 - 4000 soldiers no major equipment but a major expense something is very wrong here.!!!!
Nov 18, 2011, 3:58 PM, james Dlamini (jamesadlamin@gmail.com)

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