Eswatini Police Chief honoured with Taiwan’s medal of friendship
By Thokozani Mazibuko
In a significant moment that highlighted the deepening bonds between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) National Commissioner, Vusie Manoma Masango, was this week awarded the prestigious Medal of Friendship by Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr. Chia-Lung Lin.
The honour was conferred during a warm and colourful ceremony held in Taipei on the sidelines of the 7th Taiwan–Western Asia & Africa Forum on Regional Security and Transnational Crime, where senior law enforcement leaders from across the world gathered to strengthen cooperation on issues of global security, cybercrime, and transnational criminal networks.
Dr. Lin praised National Commissioner Masango for his “outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication” to advancing Taiwan–Eswatini police cooperation.
The medal, one of Taiwan’s most distinguished honours for foreign partners, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to bilateral relations and mutual understanding.
“National Commissioner Masango has been instrumental in promoting collaboration through the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), facilitating scholarship opportunities, and supporting capacity-building initiatives between our two nations,” said Minister Lin.
The REPS National Commissioner expressed gratitude to the government and people of Taiwan for the recognition, stating that the award reflected the shared values of friendship, trust, and mutual respect between Eswatini and Taiwan.
“This is not only my honour but also a reflection of the Royal Eswatini Police Service’s commitment to international cooperation in fighting transnational crime,” he said.
“Our long-standing partnership with Taiwan continues to empower our officers through training, technology exchange, and joint efforts to promote global peace and security.”
Masango has also been an influential voice in international policing circles, having spoken in support of Taiwan’s participation in global crime-fighting mechanisms during the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly in 2024, and pledging to continue advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion at the 93rd INTERPOL Assembly in 2025.
Diplomatic observers say his consistent advocacy underscores Eswatini’s position as Taiwan’s steadfast ally on the African continent, particularly in the realm of law enforcement and international cooperation.
The Medal of Friendship further strengthens the relationship between the REPS and the Taiwan Police College, which has hosted numerous Eswatini officers under training and exchange programmes over the years.
The forum also explored ways to bolster intelligence sharing, enhance cybercrime response systems, and close “loopholes of criminality” that allow transnational syndicates to exploit gaps between jurisdictions.
As Eswatini continues to modernize its police service, this recognition reaffirms the country’s role in fostering global partnerships aimed at a safer and more secure world.
