Idasa responds to Swaziland crisis
As the protest campaign grows in Swaziland, and alarming reports grow of a security clampdown, African democracy institute Idasa calls on Swaziland to avoid further bloodshed and a repeat of the crises we have seen in conflict-ridden Libya and Ivory Coast – and urges parties in the mounting conflict in that country to aim towards building an environment that is conducive to dialogue and negotiations.
Idasa recognises citizens’ right to protest and make their voices heard, and sees the demonstrations as a clear indication of the determination, commitment and willingness of the people of Swaziland to pursue democratic reform.
If the events in Swaziland are anything to go by, the citizen protests against unaccountable and totalitarian leaderships currently sweeping across Africa and the Middle East may well be spreading to the Southern African Development Community states. We saw Zimbabwe act with brutal promptness against individuals who had showed an interest in the pro-democracy movement and Idasa adds its voice to the mounting international demand for citizens’ right to protest.
Idasa reminds stakeholders that elsewhere on our continent negotiation has paved the way for reform, and urges Swaziland to follow this course, calling for the protests to pave the way for political dialogue in which all interested parties seek a peaceful solution.
“Each country in Africa has its own political dynamics and needs to find its own way to democracy”, said Siyabonga Memela, Manager of Idasa’s Political Governance Programme. “Swaziland, as the last absolute monarchy in Africa, must be allowed to find a way forward that meets its specific needs.
“We are sure that all role players, including the Royal House have the interests of the country at heart and want to ensure that Swaziland constructs a political system suitable for the demands of the 21st century. There is an urgency need now to take account of citizens’ growing demands for democracy, especially as reform movements spread across the continent.”
Idasa
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