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Join the ACTSA vigil for democracy

1 September 2008

Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) is hosting a vigil for democracy in Swaziland as an expression of solidarity with Swaziland colleagues and friends who are demonstrating against King Mswati III's extravagant 40/40 celebrations.

The vigil will take place from 1-2pm on Wednesday 3 September, outside the Swaziland High Commission, 20 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6LB (nearest tube Victoria).

The event is being called as a concrete solidarity action in support of activities being organised by the Swaziland United Democratic Front - a coalition of all progressive forces inside Swaziland - on 3 and 4 September 2008, against the extravagant 40/40 royal celebrations on 6 September.

The 40/40 celebrations mark King Mswati III 40th birthday, as well as 40 years of independence. In preparation for the celebrations, an entourage of 95 people including 9 of the King’s wives, their children, maids and bodyguards have chartered a flight to Dubai and Thailand to buy dresses for the celebrations.

The trip, estimated to cost £136,000 in flights alone, has naturally provoked an outcry from civil society groups in the country as over 1,000 demonstrators, including members of the Swaziland Women’s Coalition and Swaziland for Positive Living (SWAPOL), marched to present a petition to the Swaziland government asking where the money has come from to pay for the lavish trip.

They object to such extravagant spending in a country which has the highest rates of HIV and AIDS in the world and where almost 70% of the population live on less than $1 a day.

Furthermore, parliamentary elections are set to take place in Swaziland on 19 September, however opposition political parties are outlawed from running.

Swaziland is the longest standing ‘state of emergency’ nation in Africa and the lack of democracy or accountability is preventing any form of development, equality or basic rights for its people.

Join ACTSA in standing in solidarity with our colleagues and friends in Swaziland.

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