Swazis march for democracy

2008-09-04 08:37

Manzini - Thousands of Swazis marched on Wednesday for multi-party democracy in Africa's last monarchy with workers threatening a week of mass action if demands are not met, a union official said.

The march took place after a last-ditch attempt by the Swazi government to declare the march illegal was thrown out by a court.

The marchers, chanting songs for democracy and against King Mswati, were mostly dressed in red t-shirts, some carrying sticks and tree branches despite a warning by police against the carrying of dangerous weapons.

Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions secretary-general Jan Sithole told AFP that the federation wanted Swazi King Mswati to "reign not rule".

"We also want a multi-party system of democracy that will have checks and balances, not the current system which lacks accountability and transparency," Sithole said.

A week's mass action would take place from September 15 to 19 - the same week that Swaziland holds elections - if demands were not met which included social grants for the elderly and better health and education facilities.

Police fired tear-gas at marchers who pelted them with stones, after which the riot squad moved in.

A song ridiculing King Mswati, who has 13 wives, was sung, saying: "We give you breasts and sex, but you are not satisfied and we do not know what you want."

Another song pledged to achieve democracy even if it meant death.

Swaziland will hold a "40-40" celebration on Saturday, marking Mswati's 40th birthday and independence from Britain, which has caused unhappiness due to its extravagance amid poverty.

- AFP