19/11/2024
JOINT STATEMENT BY SWAZI DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATIONS
Justice 4 Swaziland March: Until Our Demands Are Met the Struggle Continues
17 November 2024
Today, under the banner of justice, freedom, and dignity, we, the undersigned organizations, declare the official launch of the Justice 4 Swaziland March. This march is not merely an event; it is a movement—a relentless declaration that we will not rest until justice, democracy, and freedom are realized for every Swazi. For decades, the people of Swaziland have endured systemic repression, economic exploitation, and political subjugation.
Families continue to grieve the loss of loved ones massacred by state forces. Our youth deprived of its potential, our voices silenced, and our dreams crushed under the weight of an unjust regime. Yet, in the face of this injustice, we rise together—determined, resolute, and unyielding in our pursuit of liberation.
Join us for this important march carrying our demands for change, justice, and an end to the exploitation of the Swazi people. The Justice 4 Swaziland March will be to the Swaziland Embassy in Pretoria on December 5, 2024, from 09:00 to 14:00. We will gather at Union Building Grounds (628 Stanza Bopape Street) and march to the Swaziland High Commission, located at 715 Government Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria
OUR DEMANDS
1. An Independent Investigation into the Assassination of Thulani Maseko. We call for an Independent International Inquiry conducted by a neutral and credible body.
2. Immediate Release of All Political Prisoners: We call for the unconditional freedom of individuals imprisoned for expressing their political beliefs or opposing the current regime.
3. Overturn the Unjust Sentences of Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube: We demand the immediate review and overturning of the unjust sentences against pro-democracy MPs Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.
4. Repatriation of all political exiles – We demand the return of all political exiles to their homeland, ensuring that they are no longer persecuted for their views.
5. Unbanning of political parties – We call for the legal recognition and unfettered operation of political parties, allowing for a diverse and pluralistic political landscape.
6. A Democratic Transition: The establishment of an inclusive, people-driven National Dialogue to dismantle absolute monarchy and usher in a new era of freedom, equality, and democratic governance.
7. Economic Justice: Reforms to address economic inequality and ensure the wealth of Swaziland benefits all its citizens, not the crown.
Until these demands are met, the struggle continues. The courage and sacrifices of the Swazi people have proven that no regime, no matter how brutal, can suppress the collective will of a determined nation.
A Call to Action
We call upon all Swazis, regional allies, the global community and all people of conscience to stand in solidarity with the Swazi people and join us in this march.
To our fellow Swazis, at home and abroad let our chants echo in every corner of Swaziland and beyond. Let the world hear that we will not rest until freedom reigns in Swaziland.
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
From the streets of Mbabane to the global diaspora, the message is clear: The time for justice is now. The time for change is here. Swaziland will be free.
ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS SWAZILAND (EFFSWA)
LAWYERS FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORM IN SWAZILAND (LAW-DERSWA)
FREE SWAZILAND MOVEMENT (FSM)
SWAZILAND SOLIDARITY NETWORK (SSN)
UNITED ESWATINI DIASPORA (UED)
SWAZILAND YOUTH CONGRESS (SWAYOCO)
SWAZILAND LIBERATION MOVEMENT (SWALIMO)
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER FORUM (MSF)
ESWATINI GLOBAL DELEGATION
SWAZILAND PEOPLE’S LIBERATION MOVEMT (SPLM)
SWAZILAND MASSACRE VICTIMS & SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION (SWAVISA)
SWAZI DEMOCRATIC PARTY (SWADEPA)
