SWAZI KING UNDER RENEWED ATTACK

SACP STATEMENT ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN SWAZILAND

27 November 2008

The South Africa Communist Party (SACP) is very much concerned about the continued abrogation of power by King Mswati III and his newly appointed Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini with the arrests of the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) and the President and General Secretary of Swaziland Youth Congress. Subsequently, the authorities have refused to allow them visits including from a Bishop and from the British and American consulates. President [Mario] Masuku, who is ailing and requires constant medical attention, has been subjected to these inhumane acts by the Tinkundla regime.

We have observed with absolute dismay the deteriorating political situation in Swaziland where the King still rules by a royal decree and proclamation of 12 April 1973.

The recent spates of arrests and intensified political persecution is an aftermath of a newly enacted draconian law labeling PUDEMO, SWAYOCO and the South African-based Swaziland Solidarity Network as terrorist organizations. These desperate measures by the King and his royal cohorts only seek to plunge the county in fear and bury any prospect from a negotiated settlement of what is considered the most autocratic regime in modern times disguised as a protector of culture and tradition.

The SACP calls on SADC to immediately remove King Mswati III as head of its most important Organ on Politics and Security since he does not qualify to hold such an office whilst blatantly abusing human rights of his own people.

The SACP remains steadfast in its support for the democratization of Swaziland. No act of state aided terror, arbitrary arrests and torture can dissuade the people's will to march to freedom.

We further pass our message of solidarity to President Masuku and other comrades who are unjustifiably detained. We urge them to remain strong for their cause is justified and supported by all freedom loving Swazis and people all over the world

Issued by the SACP.

Contact:

Malesela Maleka

SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802