Africa Contact: Open Letter on the present situation in Swaziland


African Union (AU)
Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Commonwealth of Nations
European Union
Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF)
International press and media


August 31, 2008

Internationally, the royal disregard for fundamental democratic rights
has been ignored. The election of King Mswati as the Chairperson of
the SADC Organ on politics, defence and security, which is responsible
for the defence of democracy in the region, is absolutely unacceptable.

Royal governance has been no less than a catastrophe for its people.

The Swazi regime is spending an extreme level of resources on the
coming 40/40 celebrations, the royal birthday and so-called
independence day. Royal independence has created a state of
oppression and inequality that is unacceptable, a state of hunger and
a mortality of the people that is deeply tragic.

Women have marched to government offices in Mbabane, angered by the
abuse and corruption of the royal regime. Again and again, the
Swaziland rulers have harassed the democratic movement, trade unions
leaders and representatives of the democratic movement.

There is no other way than to demand:

- Lifting of the royal ban on multiparty politics and the right to
participate in public institutions. A ban created by royal
proclamation to the nation in 1973 and continuing in the constitution
introduced in 2005.

- The right to return of all political exiles. There are many who
remain in exile for fear of persecution by the state.

- A representative national convention creating a democratic
constitution which will be a true representation of the people of
Swaziland, of their needs and their future.

- An end to the corruption and greed of a royal family and a ruling
minority that is a deep threat to the future of Swazi society.


There is no other way. Africa Contact (Denmark) has for years
supported the democratic movement in Swaziland. Also with the hope
that it could achieve its goal through peaceful means, but such a hope
seems deeply threatened now in a time of permanent crisis.



Executive Committee
Africa Contact
Copenhagen / Denmark