Editing Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (section)

==History and structure==
[[File:US Army 51988 MEDFLAG 09, Partnership strengthens ties and friendships.jpg|thumb|UEDF Lt. Col. Moses Swane speaks with U.S. Army Africa Commander Maj. Gen. William Garrett III during a 2009 medical training exercise]]
The UEDF replaced the '''Royal Swaziland Defence Force''', which was created in 1973 to replace the role of the [[British Army]] following independence in 1968.

The [[King of Eswatini]] is the commander-in-chief of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, and the substantive minister of defence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africafocus.org/docs11/swaz1104.php |title=Swaziland: Time for Democracy? |publisher=Africafocus.org |access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref> However, he delegates the responsibilities of the day-to-day activities of the executive arm of the government.<ref name="commonwealth-of-nations1">{{cite web|url=http://www.commonwealth-of-nations.org/Swaziland/Security/Ministry_of_Defence%60_Swaziland/welcome |title=Security in Swaziland, Swaziland Security, Ministry of Defence, Swaziland welcome, Commonwealth |publisher=Commonwealth-of-nations.org |access-date=2012-07-06}}</ref>

There is a Defence Council, which is responsible for advising the King on all matters pertaining to the UEDF.<ref name="commonwealth-of-nations1"/> The UEDF is commanded by [[Major General]] Sipho Tshabalala; the deputy commander is [[Brigadier General]] [[Patrick Motsa]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.sz/home.asp?pid=2244 |access-date=2010-08-15 |title=Welcome to the home page of the Government of Swaziland }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and the formation commander is [[Lieutenant General]] Hulumende M. Fakudze.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.sz/home.asp?pid=2245 |access-date=2010-08-15 |title=Welcome to the home page of the Government of Swaziland }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>