Swaziland: Citizens of Africa’s Last Monarchy Host Global Pro-Democracy Week

Washington

In solidarity with the participants of this year’s Global Week of Action for Democracy in Swaziland, Freedom House issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled that the pro-democracy movement in Swaziland, despite many years of exclusion and persecution, has come together to call for much needed change to Africa’s last absolute monarchy,” said Vukasin Petrovic, director of Africa programs at Freedom House. “We hope that this week’s events serve as the spark that ignites democratic change, and we implore the Swazi government and authorities to respect their citizens’ rights to gather and demonstrate peacefully.”

Background:
Swaziland continues to suppress political freedoms and human rights for its subjects. Opposition parties are banned from participating in elections, both public demonstrations and campaigning are outlawed, and perpetrators may be charged with treason. 

Swaziland is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2015, and Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2015.