MBABANE: Swazis marched to deliver a petition to the United Nations Eswatini on Friday as the political temperatures continue to rise in this tiny Kingdom.
The march was attended by members of the various political parties, to avoid international spotlight, King Mswati’s police were seen watching the protesters without any shootings as they were within the premises and surroundings of the United Nations.
Sibongile Mazibuko, the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress(NNLC) who was part of the political leaders who delivered the petition said King Mswati refused to engage them on democratic reforms despite numerous attempts.
“We have reached a point whereby we have no alternative but to approach the United Nations because there are UN Conventions which he signed. We have seen the United Nations resolving political conflicts in countries like Sudan and we believe they will take action and assist us achieve democracy” ,she said.
King Mswati is facing more political pressure after he allegedly unleashed soldiers to shoot and kill dozens of civilians merely for demanding democratic reforms.
Speaking during Sibaya, the King denied killing protesters and blamed pro-democracy activists for inciting violence.
Eswatini is not democratic, the country is ruled by Mswati as an absolute Monarch with Executive, Judicial and Legislative powers. He appoints the Prime Minister, Ministers, traditional leaders, Judges, a majority of Senators and all members of the various Governing Councils.
Protestors at the UN eSwatini premises