CANADA SOLIDARITY WITH SWAZILAND

In late August 2008 supporters of a democratic Swaziland who live in Canada decided to purchase a one page advert in Swaziland’s Nation magazine. The advert (reproduced below) was printed along with a three page spread on the stance of PUDEMO (The People’s United Democratic Movement) that the 40/40 celebrations to mark the 40^th birthday of Swazi King Mswati III and the 40^th anniversary of the kingdom’s independence from Britain were no celebration at all.

25 Years of Progress

The Peoples United

Democratic Movement

For the past 25 years, members of the Peoples United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) have brought new life to the democratic aspirations of the Swazi nation.

Awakening the hearts and minds of the nation to the possibilities of equality, justice and freedom of expression, PUDEMO has consistently challenged the misleading notion that ordinary Swazis do not wish or deserve to voice their own political will.

We, the Swaziland Solidarity Network of Canada, support PUDEMO in their struggle to align the political structure of Swaziland with the democratic principles of its people. Given the high degree of personal risk faced by pro-democracy advocates in Swaziland, the unwavering resolve and courage of all members of PUDEMO is admired and the diligence of the executive is respected.

As constituents of a vast international support network, we will continue to observe and report on the hardships that PUDEMO members endure as a consequence of their commitment to building a more fair, prosperous and truly democratic nation. At the same time, we will continue to admonish those who perpetrate the oppressive measures taken against PUDEMO members, their families and their communities.

The important role of the Swazi media to publicly support the pro-democracy movement is pivotal to Swaziland’s political emancipation, as the media is a forum through which the country can be wholly transformed. Thank you to the Nation for having the courage to print the contentious issues that consistently challenge the status quo. To the other media outlets, we call on you to brazenly tell the story of Swaziland’s political struggles – it is the responsibility you carry on behalf of the citizens of your country. The world is listening!

To the citizens of Swaziland, do what you can to support the efforts of PUDEMO to build a national political foundation based on universal freedoms and democratic principles.

Trust that a new day will soon arrive.

The Swaziland Solidarity Network of Canada

Chapters of SSN Canada are located in Lethbridge, Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto and Saint John.

Email: swazisolidarityca@yahoo.ca.