Businessman Sues Eswatini Journalists – $9.9M Lawsuit
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Eswatini Farmers bank Founder Sues News Outlet for $9.8 Million Over Defamation
The Dispute: A High-Stakes Legal Battle
John Asfar, the founding director of EswatiniS Farmers Bank, has initiated a nearly $9.8 million defamation lawsuit against Swazi Bridge, an self-reliant news outlet operating in exile. Press freedom advocates have strongly condemned the suit, characterizing it as an attempt to silence critical journalism.
the lawsuit alleges that Swazi Bridge published a series of articles containing defamatory statements regarding alleged irregularities in the bank’s license acquisition. Asfar adn Farmers Bank claim these articles were published “with absolutely no evidence” and without providing them an possibility to respond.
Background: Asfar, Farmers Bank, and the ‘Swazi Secrets’ investigation
John Asfar is a real estate developer with a prior business history including ownership of the Canadian hotel chain Travellers Inn, which declared bankruptcy in 2009. He gained further public attention through his involvement in the Swazi Secrets investigation, a collaborative reporting project led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and seven media partners.This investigation analyzed leaked documents from the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit.
Farmers Bank’s establishment was marked by important challenges, including a protracted dispute with the Central Bank of Eswatini over its operating license. The bank faced allegations of political interference aimed at influencing the regulator’s decisions. The Swazi Secrets
investigation revealed concerns within the central bank regarding the ultimate control of the bank and the origins of its funding.
Swazi Bridge’s Reporting and the Allegations
Between 2023 and 2025, Swazi Bridge published a series of reports detailing the licensing dispute and related issues surrounding Farmers Bank. Asfar alleges that the outlet exhibited a deliberate intent to damage his reputation and the bank’s standing.
The core of the dispute centers on accusations of improper influence in securing the banking license and questions about the openness of the bank’s financial backing. Swazi Bridge’s reporting has focused on these concerns, prompting the legal action from Asfar and Farmers Bank.
Context: Eswatini’s Media Landscape and Press Freedom
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has a history of limited press freedom. The country’s legal framework and political climate frequently enough create challenges for independent journalists. This lawsuit against Swazi bridge is seen by many as a further attempt to stifle critical reporting and limit public access to data.
Swazi Bridge operates in exile due to restrictions on media freedom within Eswatini, highlighting the difficulties faced by journalists attempting to hold power accountable. the outlet’s reporting often focuses on issues of governance, corruption, and human rights within the country.