Swaziland
| Protests in Mbabane turn violent |
| 05 Sep 2008 |
| Protests in Mbabane, the Swazi capital, calling for a transition to a multi-party democracy, turned violent on 4 September 2008. Approximately 5,000 people gathered in Mbabane to protest King Mswati's lavish lifestyle -- marked by the upcoming 6 September "40/40" celebration of Mswati's 40th birthday and the 40th anniversary of independence from Britain -- while approximately 40 percent of the population still lives in poverty. Protesters threw stones at shops and looted markets, forcing most businesses to close for the day; a small explosion also reportedly damaged a bus. Anti-riot police officers responded to the unrest, using a water cannon and tear gas to disperse the crowd. No injuries were reported. The protests on 4 September followed a similar march in the central commercial city of Manzini on 3 September. Labor unions have also threatened to hold additional protests from 15-19 September if their demands -- including improved health care and education facilities -- are not met. |
| Security forces around the country placed on high alert |
| 03 Sep 2008 |
| Swazi authorities announced on 3 September 2008 that security forces around the country will be placed on high alert in anticipation of widespread labor strikes. The mass action by the country's labor unions -- the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions, the Swaziland Federation of Labor and the Swaziland National Association of Teachers -- is scheduled to take place from 3-4 September. Security forces will be deployed to locations throughout the country, to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and that protesters comply with the designated protocols for demonstrations.
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