Mswati III vs Zaman Shah Durrani

Mswati III was crowned king of Swaziland at age 18, ending a four-year regency. His coronation continued the absolute monarchy established by his father Sobhuza II.

Mswati III faced criticism for his response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which infected over 25% of Eswatini's population. He declared a national emergency but was accused of insufficient action and spending on royal luxuries.

Mswati III officially renamed the Kingdom of Swaziland to the Kingdom of Eswatini, meaning 'land of the Swazis,' to mark 50 years of independence and shed colonial-era names.

Mswati III faced widespread pro-democracy protests demanding political reforms and an end to absolute monarchy. Security forces cracked down, resulting in dozens of deaths and arrests. The protests were the largest in Eswatini's history.

Mswati III's multiple marriages and lavish spending on royal palaces and cars drew criticism amid poverty in Eswatini. He defended polygamy as a cultural tradition but faced accusations of misusing public funds.

Zaman Shah Durrani became the third ruler of the Durrani Empire after the death of his father, Timur Shah. His accession was contested by his brothers, leading to a period of internal strife. He initially consolidated power by executing or imprisoning rivals.

Zaman Shah launched multiple invasions of the Punjab region, aiming to reassert Afghan control over the Sikh territories. He captured Lahore in 1798 but was forced to withdraw due to threats from Persia and internal rebellions. His campaigns failed to achieve lasting gains.

Zaman Shah was overthrown by his half-brother Mahmud Shah Durrani in a coup. He was captured, blinded, and imprisoned. This act of blinding was a common practice to disqualify a rival from rule. Zaman Shah spent the rest of his life in captivity.