King Mswati of Swaziland Bans Civil Rights Goups From Meeting; Claims "Destabilizing Effect" On Country

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:02:23 +0000
AHN Staff

Lobamba, Swaziland (BANG) - Swaziland's King Mswati III has banned independent civil rights groups from meeting in the country on Thursday (10/16/08).

The king - who operates an absolute monarchy - was reportedly concerned the meeting of The Southern African Social Forum might have a destabilizing effect on his country, especially as the gathering was due to take place on the same day he will appoint a new prime minister following last month's elections.

Those attending the meeting had been expected to discuss calls on Mswati to accept democratic reforms in his country, prompting speculation the king is trying to silence his critics.

An official statement said: "From the information available it is of the view of the Swaziland government that the hosting of the meeting in the country will not be in national interest, and will compromise peace, security and stability."

Last month's elections were the first held under Swaziland's new constitution - which was introduced in 2006 and allows the freedom of association, but stops short of allowing multi-party democracy - but were widely criticised.

Around 400,000 Swazis were eligible to vote in the poll in which 55 unaffiliated candidates were chosen for Swaziland's national assembly. However, the king retained the right to elect the prime minister and cabinet.

The country - which is run by one of the world's last absolute monarchies - has been embroiled in protests by inhabitants who are demanding democratic reform and greater social spending.

Political parties are banned in the country, and armed police guarded polling stations as a warning to pro-democracy campaigners.

King Mswati has been blamed for Swaziland's poverty and AIDs epidemic and criticised for his extravagant lifestyle.

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