Moeti Mohwasa

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has noted the developments of an uprising that is taking place in eSwatini.

The uprising of the working class is of no surprise as the democracy deficit has been consolidating in the Kingdom of eSwatini. Covid-19 has sharpened these contradictions.

The Tinkundla system that continues to be used as an exclusive system where the King continues to operate as the Absolute Monarch, has not endeared the King to a significant section of the population.

The recent developments are an indication of an uprising that was long overdue. There has been a peaceful build up from pro democracy protests and activities and lately the people’s reaction to police brutality.

The UDC condemns the shooting of the protesters by the military. Seventy per cent of the population continues to live below the poverty line whilst the King and his family live in opulence and a display of crass materialism at the expense of the people of eSwatini.

Such a system is unsustainable. It is time King Mswati considers negotiations with the political parties that remain banned in the country.

For decades political parties have been calling for the scrapping of the 1976 Decree that barred political parties from operating in Eswatini.

This is the opportune time for the unbanning of political parties and the holding of negotiations. It is time King Mswati goes to the negotiating table with political parties and all relevant stakeholders.

Lastly, we call upon those who are on the side of peace, justice and democracy to speak out against Mswati’s aggression against the people of Eswatini.