'No monarchy is not a solution'

2005-08-03 15:16

Pretoria - Abolishing the monarchy was not the solution to Swaziland's "despotic" governance system, the International Crisis Group said on Wednesday.

"The monarchy needn't be abolished, but must adjust to the reality of international governance," South African director Peter Kagwanja told an Institute for Security Studies (ISS) seminar in Pretoria.

The idea of a monarchy, broadly supported by Swazi citizens, need not be in conflict with the principles of universal suffrage and governmental accountability.

"It is possible to harmonise Swazi culture, history and tradition with modern, international law," he said.

The International Crisis Group is a Brussels-based conflict prevention think tank.

Kagwanja described Swaziland as the "worst case of governance" in the region and expressed concern that it was getting entrenched rather than reforming.

This had given rise to a potentially destabilising political situation and a serious humanitarian crisis.

New constitution did not allay fears

The recent adopting of a new constitution did nothing to allay fears of Swaziland's "implosion", he said.

While it contained some progressive elements, the constitution entrenched the royal prerogative and further eroded the political power of Swazi citizens.

"The moment the constitution was signed, was the beginning of the crisis. The constitution is a recipe for more disaster."

Kagwanja pointed out that in traditional Swazi society the king was not an absolute monarch, but a voice of the people.

South Africa had a role to play in convincing Swaziland to adopt change, Kagwanja said.

It could use its leverage as a member of the Southern African Customs Union to encourage spending on humanitarian issues like HIV/Aids.

Putting pressure on Swaziland

Regional and continental bodies, and South Africa through its membership of these, should put pressure on Swaziland to accede to peer review and adopt internationally accepted election principles.

Foreign countries like the United States and United Kingdom could exert pressure through trade and political relations with Swaziland.

ISS senior researcher Chris Maroleng pointed out positive aspects in the new constitution: like the recognition of women's' rights and the removal of the king's ability to rule by decree.

"We should see the constitution as a sort of sound basis that can ensure the beginning of a dialogue the beginning of an inclusive process."

He said the people of Swaziland had a deep affection for the monarchy.

"The problem is, how do we talk about reform without creating greater social unrest?"

Kagwanja agreed it was important for the people of Swaziland themselves to realise they were living under unacceptable circumstances. But while they remained uninformed and repressed, they would be unable to change their own fate.

- SAPA