Bill Minter of AfricaFocus Bulletin previews tomorrow’s pro-democracy protests in autocratic Swaziland:
Demonstrations planned for Tuesday April 12 in Swaziland are probably the most ambitious effort yet in sub-Saharan Africa to spark a pro-democracy surge comparable to those earlier this year in Tunisia and Egypt. Economic crisis coupled with the conspicuous luxury of an absolute monarchy committed to repression make the parallels obvious. Over 7,000 protesters marched in demonstrations three weeks ago to oppose salary cuts for civil servants. But the regime has banned Tuesday’s demonstrations, organized by labor, student, and civic organizations as well as through social media.
Social media will likely make only a marginal contribution to the turnout, as only 7% of the Swazi population is estimated to have Internet access, with only about 16,000 Facebook users 1% of the population … The campaign does benefit from strong support from Swazi labor, student, and civic organizations as well as by a support campaign in South Africa organized by COSATU and other groups.
With public attention from South Africa, the Swazi regime may hesitate in using open force against the demonstrators. But King Mswati III, who has already ruled for 25 years, is the heir of a dynasty that dates back to 1921. His father, King Sobhuza II, suspended the constitution on April 12, 1973, five years after the country’s independence. In addition to state repression and popular mobilization, the strength of traditional loyalty to the monarchy is one factor that will weigh heavily on the outcome.
Since we’re not expecting major Western media (or even Al Jazeera English) to cover these protests, here’s Minter’s suggestions about where to follow updates on the protests: the blog Swazi Media Commentary; the Swaziland Democracy Campaign, a coalition of Swazi and South African groups, with supporters in other countries; news website AllAfrica.coms’s Swaziland page; a page of articles in English on the website of Danish organization, Afrika Kontact; and recent pieces by (Stephen Faulkner, Bongani Masuku,, Mantoe Phakathi. Finally for some up to economic and social data on Swaziland, see the website of UNDP Swaziland.
UPDATE: Also check out Swazi Shado.
The series of photographs showing the the Obamas with African leaders is the gift that keeps giving. But unlike most of the series poor old Mswati is alone, no first lady. I guess he couldn’t decide which wife to bring…
Its good to be king.
Heres hoping democracy comes to Swazi.
I am old enough to remember the hype around Mswati’s coronation..and back then, young enough to be wowed, feel hopeful for something that was not going to be the same old. The BBC touted his British education (which substituted for “we accomplished the civilising mission”) amidst all the traditionalia of celebration. And here, I see that not even his suit is of a “civilised” cut…
Dr J, do you realise how difficult it is to elegantly cover the dangly extra bits, whilst simultaneously attaining a “civilised” cut?
I share a tailor with some rather ample members of SA Parliament!