Swazi Update
Since our last newsletter at the end of March, the Swazi regime continues to intensify its oppression in the nation. While it wants to fire any civil servant with political opinions, imprison all who criticize or oppose the elite ruling class, and ignores the needs of the nation, the draconian fist continues to pound.
The health crisis, education crisis, and economic crisis all stem from the fundamental political crisis in the country. Nothing can or will be resolved as the king behaves like a cornered rat who viciously attacks his "subjects". Negotiations with the people can be the only viable path. And Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth (like SD) should be saying so.
The question of Swaziland needing a "second independence" is at hand. The colonial independence of 1968 simply allowed another elite, an indigenous one, to rule and exploit the people; but there comes a time when people will say, "No, our self-preservation is more important than a palace. We refuse to be anyone's 'subject'. We want democracy and the people shall govern."
Here are some recent news items from Swaziland which highlight the general atmosphere in the country:
No more funerals! June 21, 2009
‘SAPPI to close down’ June 21, 2009
Obama gives SD 90 days June 20, 2009
US expands human trafficking watchlist and includes Swazland June 17, 2009
Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko arrested June 4, 2009
Politically aligned civil servants in for a shock June 2, 2009
If you are so inclined, write to Foreign Affairs and ask what our government representative in Pretoria is saying to Swaziland. Specifically mention the arrest of human rights lawyers Thulani Maseko and the continued incarceration of Mario Masuku, political activists and President of the People's United Democratic Movement, PUDEMO. Send an email to Claus Spoerel - the political officer for Swaziland. claus.spoerel@international.gc.ca
Our American friends can try this email and let me know what reply they receive.
For more information on Swaziland see:
Since our last newsletter at the end of March, the Swazi regime continues to intensify its oppression in the nation. While it wants to fire any civil servant with political opinions, imprison all who criticize or oppose the elite ruling class, and ignores the needs of the nation, the draconian fist continues to pound.
The health crisis, education crisis, and economic crisis all stem from the fundamental political crisis in the country. Nothing can or will be resolved as the king behaves like a cornered rat who viciously attacks his "subjects". Negotiations with the people can be the only viable path. And Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth (like SD) should be saying so.
The question of Swaziland needing a "second independence" is at hand. The colonial independence of 1968 simply allowed another elite, an indigenous one, to rule and exploit the people; but there comes a time when people will say, "No, our self-preservation is more important than a palace. We refuse to be anyone's 'subject'. We want democracy and the people shall govern."
Here are some recent news items from Swaziland which highlight the general atmosphere in the country:
No more funerals! June 21, 2009
‘SAPPI to close down’ June 21, 2009
Obama gives SD 90 days June 20, 2009
US expands human trafficking watchlist and includes Swazland June 17, 2009
Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko arrested June 4, 2009
Politically aligned civil servants in for a shock June 2, 2009
If you are so inclined, write to Foreign Affairs and ask what our government representative in Pretoria is saying to Swaziland. Specifically mention the arrest of human rights lawyers Thulani Maseko and the continued incarceration of Mario Masuku, political activists and President of the People's United Democratic Movement, PUDEMO. Send an email to Claus Spoerel - the political officer for Swaziland. claus.spoerel@international.gc.ca
Our American friends can try this email and let me know what reply they receive.
For more information on Swaziland see:
