14 September 2010
The South African Communist Party would like to express its disgust and condemn the growing resort to terror by the Tinkundla regime in Swaziland. In the recent weeks the regime has stepped up its aggression against activists for PUDEMO and harassment of foreign visitors, including detaining a COSATU delegation that visited that country.
The latest remarks by the Prime Minister that the regime will resort to “foot whipping” is indicative of the undemocratic practices the regime has resorted to.
Recently the regime used mass arrests with no legal basis; held human rights defenders, political opposition leaders and foreign trade union officials in unlawful detention at police stations and in police vehicles; seized camera equipment, threatened and detained one journalist and assaulted another. This only in a bid to stop a peaceful protest.
SADC has to urgently attend to the situation in Swaziland including the role of member states of SADC being used as a training hub for the Swazi police who ultimately will met out brute force against ordinary people of Swaziland.
The regime in Swaziland must be compelled, in line with SADC protocols, to unban political activities and parties. A democratic dispensation must be installed in Swaziland in an electoral process that conforms with the SADC and the AU protocols.
It is time for the broader international community to think about isolating Mswati and his cohorts till the concede to a democratic dispensation.
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802