Democracy and Political Stability
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- Written by: John Burke using GROK 4 AI
- Category: Eswatini Situation
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Overview of Eswatini's Democracy and Political Stability (as of November 15, 2025)
Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy under King Mswati III, continues to face entrenched challenges to democratic governance and human rights. While the country has maintained surface-level political stability in 2025 with no large-scale internal protests, underlying tensions persist from the violent crackdown on pro-democracy movements in 2021. International assessments classify Eswatini as "Not Free," highlighting severe restrictions on political pluralism, free assembly, and judicial independence. The government's resistance to reforms, coupled with impunity for past abuses, fuels ongoing discontent among activists, opposition groups, and civil society. Economic pressures, including high unemployment and inequality, exacerbate these issues, though weak opposition structures have limited mobilization this year.
Democracy Status
Eswatini's political system remains dominated by the monarchy, with the king holding ultimate authority over the executive, legislature, judiciary, and traditional chieftaincy structures. There are no competitive elections for the head of government, and political parties are effectively banned under the Tinkhundla system, which favours royal appointees and limits opposition influence. Freedom House's 2025 report assigns Eswatini a score of 17/100 ("Not Free"), with just 1/40 for political rights and 16/60 for civil liberties. Key deficits include:
- Electoral Process: 0/12 – No free and fair elections; parliamentary seats are filled via non-partisan "inkhundla" contests that exclude meaningful opposition.
- Political Pluralism: 1/16 – Dissent is criminalized under sedition and terrorism laws.
- Rule of Law: 4/16 – Judiciary lacks independence, with courts upholding repressive statutes in 2024.
Petition Hand Over
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- Written by: Press Department
- Category: Press
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At 15:00 hours today, Thursday the 28th August 2025, the SWALIMO team headed by E Mduduzi Simelane, plus 3 other SWALIMO members and John Burke of ZHRO will deliver the petition as available to our readers at the LINK BELOW - this item will became available at 15:20 today as a timed item upon the website.
It starts with:
PETITION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM PARLIAMENT
Delivered by: Eric Mduduzi 'Gawzela' Simelane, President, Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) On behalf of the Justice for Swaziland Campaign. [See Photo] However, Zimbabwe Chief Felix Ndiweni was cleared to enter the gates to Number 10, but, he had to cancel due to being hospitalised - we wish him a speedy recovery.
1. Introduction
"We, the undersigned members of the Justice for Swaziland Campaign, an alliance of political and civil society organizations advocating for democracy and human rights in the Kingdom of Swaziland (Eswatini), submit this petition to the United Kingdom Parliament through the Prime Minister's Office. This petition is made in recognition of the historic ties between the United Kingdom and Swaziland and in response to the grave human rights violations committed by the Swazi monarchy under King Mswati III."
LATEST FULL PETITION - CLICK HERE
The weather was fine today and we saw no rain at all during the Petition hand-over. We did get a moment of sunshine to fall upon the team as they delivered this vital document to the Office of the Prime Minister at the door of Number 10 Downing Street, his Official Residence. The staff and Police at Number 10 were more than helpful to our team who entered the secure compound. An experience they all will not forget in a hurry.
We were all welcomed into the gated compound to deliver this well written petition, the Policeman who accompanyed our group even took some photos of us all!
We anticipate some comments from the petitioners shortly
Petition to UK Government
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- Written by: Press Office
- Category: Press
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SWALIMO has applied and been granted permission to deliver a written petition regarding justice for citizens of Eswatini - to be delivered to 10 Downing Street, for onward transmission to the United Kingdom Parliament.
Keep the date and time free: 28th August 2025 at 15:00 a group of 6 people will enter the 'hallowed' gates to Downing Street to deliver a petition written by E Mduduzi Simelane, and delivered by E Mduduzi Simelane, 3 other Swalimo members - also delivering will be Zimbabwean Chief, Felix Ndiweni and ZHRO Founder John Burke - who have helped organise this, our first petition.
The image shown is for a previous ZHRO petition, and will be replaced after SWALIMO deliver ours after the 28th August 2025
Please support this initiative and be at the statue (of General B Montgomery) opposite the gated entrance to Downing Street from 14:00 onwards, for demonstration and speeches.
Leadership Update
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- Written by: Publicity
- Category: Press
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###FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE###
SWALIMO Leadership Committed to a Peaceful Future, as New Leaders Are Inducted
MANZINI, ESWATINI – Friday, 01 August 2025 – The Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) recently held a successful Leadership Induction, bringing together over 80 newly inducted leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the movement's core principles. The event was a testament to the growth and dedication within SWALIMO, as leaders from various regions were formally welcomed into their roles. The induction ceremony served as a powerful platform for networking, strategic planning, and reinforcing the movement's vision for a democratic Eswatini.
During his keynote address, SWALIMO President Honorable Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane inspired the new leadership with a message of hope, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peaceful change. He reiterated the importance of unity and collective action in the pursuit of a free and democratic Eswatini. President Gawzela's presence and guidance were a highlight of the event, providing a clear vision for the path forward and emphasizing the crucial role each leader will play in mobilizing the nation.
President Gawzela also made a significant announcement, confirming his participation in the annual "Gathering of the Nation Annual Prayer" event in KaMhlushwa on November 1st of this year. His attendance at this important national prayer gathering underscores SWALIMO’s dedication to spiritual and community engagement, further solidifying the movement's presence and its commitment to a future built on peace, faith, and national dialogue.
#EducateMobilizeLiberate!!
###ENDS###