eSwatini

eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa and Taiwan's sole remaining diplomatic ally on the African continent. It is ruled by King Mswati III. The country is newsworthy due to a recent diplomatic incident involving Taiwan's leader, William Lai Ching-te. Lai was scheduled to visit eSwatini to celebrate King Mswati III's 40th anniversary of accession and 58th birthday. However, the visit was postponed at the last minute after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked previously granted overflight permissions for Lai's aircraft. Taiwan has attributed this change to pressure from Beijing, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China and their impact on Taiwan's international relations. This incident underscores eSwatini's strategic importance to Taiwan as its last foothold in Africa and the challenges Taiwan faces in maintaining its diplomatic ties amid Chinese influence.