The people of Swaziland live under conditions of extreme political repression. Political activity is banned and the most basic of rights are denied. Arbitrary arrests and imprisonment, beatings, torture, disappearances and even murders, are part of the fabric of the repressive methods of the regime. In an attempt to justify their rule, traditional Swazi culture has been stolen by the Royal Elite from the people, and is used to instill fear and submission. Terrifying levels of unemployment, poverty and hunger are present everywhere and are compounded by alarming rates of HIV and diseases associated with poverty.

Since 1973, the Swazi Monarchy has the dubious honour of maintaining the longest state of emergency anywhere on the continent. It has literally turned the country into an open-air prison controlled by a series of draconian laws.Every sphere of life in society has become militarised. The notorious Suppression of Terrorism Act is but the latest indication that repression is to be extended. Despite these conditions, within Swaziland there are many people of courage and dignity who are prepared to make common cause in their communities, their workplaces, their schools and colleges, and in their places of worship. They are prepared to unite and challenge the repression and the wastefulness of the royal elite.They are prepared to make sacrifices for the country they love, and it is to these brave and honourable people that we must reach out to. We believe there must be no ambiguity about our moral duty to support those who are oppressed to resist and struggle for liberation, justice and democracy.

We therefore hope this declaration is a first step in breaking through the wall of silence and complacency that helps perpetuate the myth that Swaziland is a caring society ruled by a benevolent royal family. We seek to give voice to ordinary Swazi people and their quest for human dignity, democracy and freedom.

The Basis of the Swaziland Democracy Campaign

We firmly believe that Swaziland will remain poverty ridden and subject to dictatorial rule as long as political, economic, religious, cultural and social life is controlled by the ruling Royal Elite. We believe that the methods used by this elite to subjugate the Swazi people, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, complete disregard of basic human and civil rights, the banning of political parties and political activity and the Suppression of Terrorism Act completely contradict the norms established by the AU, SADC, the EU and the UN. All of these organisations should be ashamed of the shocking double standards they employ in relation to Swaziland. We believe that only a democratic Swaziland, where all women and men are treated equally, and where the leadership is elected and held accountable to those who elect them, can free itself of years of poverty, corruption and under-development.

We therefore call upon the AU, SADC, EU, UN and all constituent parts,to begin to put in place measures, including boycotts, that will outlaw and stop the abuses of power in Swaziland. Measures that will isolate the current regime, and give support and encouragement to democratic forces campaigning to establish a Democratic Swaziland. Given its geographic and economic ties, we intend to campaign vigorously for a leading role by the South African Government for action against the regime. We call upon all decent women and men, from across society, nationally and internationally, to align themselves with this declaration, to support and become involved in the launch of a broad based, non-sectarian, transparent and accountable Swaziland Democracy Campaign.

We call upon Trades Unions, Faith-Based Organizations, Social Movements,NGO’s, political and solidarity organisations, progressive business interests, to work together with our comrades, sisters, brothers and neighbours in Swaziland to help bring about peace and security in Swaziland. We ask that they participate in developing a concrete Plan of Action to give active meaning to our campaign. Let this be a new beginning.

As a vital first step, we urge all those who wish to see an end to dictatorial rule in Swaziland to sign this Declaration and to work together in the campaign.

Sign the Declaration