Oppostion to Swaziland Monarchy Grows

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Opposition to the absolute monarchy in Swaziland has shown a marked increase this year, according to the New York Times. In August a three-day trade union protest blocked a border crossing with South Africa. And the Swaziland Youth Congress has called for armed conflict.
Observers attribute the increased opposition to king Mswati to the economic problems, a low life expectancy caused by HIV infection and Mr. Mswati’s behaviour. Unemployment is over 40 percent and two in three people are in poverty. Swaziland has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world. The king expects Swazis to get on their knees to speak to him, overrules court decisions and spends lavishly. According to the Times he recently “spirited to royal quarters” an 18-year-old school student he wished to have as an additional wife.
Opposition to the monarchy has been banned for 30 years. Journalists have been arrested or harassed for criticising the monarchy.


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