Protesters and security forces have clashed in Swaziland during a week of planned rallies against longtime ruler King Mswati. In the capital Mbabane Wednesday, police fired tear gas and beat demonstrating university students who had pelted the officers with stones. In the eastern town of Siteke, clashes broke out between police and people who had […]
Protests Against Swaziland King Turn Violent
Hundreds Protest in Swazi Capital
Hundreds of demonstrators have marched through the capital of Swaziland against the government of King Mswati III, considered Africa’s last absolute monarch. Heavy security surrounded the march in Mbabane, which is the first demonstration in what organizers say will be a planned week-long strike to press demands for better working conditions and increased pay, as […]
Striking Swaziland Lawyers Plan ‘Alternate Courts’
Striking lawyers in Swaziland say they will establish their own courts, following a bitter dispute with the country’s judiciary. Lawyers went on strike three weeks ago to demand the dismissal of Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi, whom they accuse of sexual and professional misconduct. The strike has virtually paralyzed Swaziland’s court system. Now the Swaziland Law […]
Swaziland Needs $11 Million to Reopen Only University
Swaziland’s education minister says the country’s only university needs $11 million to resume classes. The University of Swaziland was set to begin its academic year this week, but failed to open as the country’s government deals with a severe cash crisis. The crisis has left the tiny southern African country struggling to pay health care […]
Swaziland Activists Criticize South African Bailout
Opposition groups in Swaziland have condemned South Africa’s decision to offer an economic bailout to their country, Africa’s last absolute monarchy. On Wednesday, South Africa announced a bailout package worth more than $350 million to its cash-strapped neighbor. The package contains so-called “confidence building measures” aimed at persuading Swazi leader King Mswati to make economic […]
South Africa Offers Bailout to Swaziland
South Africa has agreed to bail out its cash-strapped neighbor Swaziland. South Africa’s central bank said Wednesday that the loan is worth nearly $370 million, but did not provide further details on the package. Activists in Swaziland and labor unions in South Africa have said any economic bailout should be tied to political reforms by […]
South Africa Denies Approving Billion Dollar Loan for Swaziland
South Africa has denied a report that it approved a $1.2 billion loan for its neighbor, cash-strapped Swaziland. The South African Finance Ministry, in a statement Tuesday, confirmed that Swaziland has requested a loan, but said “no loan has been agreed to or granted.” The ministry said the two countries are holding “technical discussions” about […]