The Swazi-Canadian Diaspora stands in solidarity with Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) and seeks to bring awareness to the current civil unrest and resulting humanitarian crisis. Eswatini is the last standing absolute monarchy in the African continent, and citizens are being murdered every day by King Mswati III's violent, oppressive regime. Please take action now by signing this petition, urging the Canadian Government to speak out against the ongoing violence that King Mswati III is inflicting on his citizens and support the pro-democracy movement.

See calls to action below, and learn more by accessing resources and letter templates here.

Human Rights Atrocities 

Following a universal call for democratic change by Swaziland's disenfranchised students and youth, King Mswati III has responded by suppressing political dissent through state sanctioned violence. This has resulted in:

• the heinous murder of more than 74 civilians by state security forces
• an undisclosed number of unidentified bodies and disappeared
• 200+ protestors hospitalized from injuries sustained during protests 
• over  697+ protesters detained by state security forces

Humanitarian Crisis

• catering for funeral costs
• shortages of medical supplies
• securing wheel chairs for 100+ amputees

Historical Info

Swaziland/Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy in Southern Africa and is landlocked by Mozambique and South Africa.

1968: Swaziland gains independence from the British
1973: Mswati III’s predecessor, Sobhuza II abolished political pluralism through his decree in favor of absolute rule.
2005: the Swazi post-independence Constitution was adopted, despite its aspirations for modern democracy, it fortified royal supremacy.
63% of Eswatini’s population live on less than US$ 1 per day. 
43.7% of Eswatini youth over the age of 18 are unemployed.

Civil Unrest Timeline

2020-present: In the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, Eswatini has experienced growing levels of violence and police brutality. This prompted 3 Members of Parliament to launch the call for democratic change, emphasizing the need for a democratically elected government.

June 20th, 2021: Swazi youth delivered petitions across the country which highlighted: 
- fundamental gaps in service delivery
- a high youth unemployment rate at 43.7 %,
- high levels of inequality
- emphasized the call for democratic change

June 24th, 2021: the Acting Prime Minister issued a decree banning the delivery of petitions and freedom of assembly, expression and movement.

June 29th, 2021: At the request of the King, the Minister of Information Communications Technology (ICT) shutdown the internet.
June 30th, 2021: the King instructed the army to kill peaceful protesters. Border blockade of trucks ferrying goods and services including food and basic supplies.

The peaceful demonstrations are ongoing, and the King’s brutal response is getting worse each day.

CALLS TO ACTION

1. Restoring peace and stability in the country by disarming Mswati III and the military so they can stop the ongoing heinous murder of innocent civilians.
2. Assisting in the launch of a mediated political dialogue that will result in a transitional government and ultimately, multi-party democracy.
3. Mobilizing humanitarian aid to support the citizens who continue to be impacted by the civil unrest.
4. Opening our borders to Swazi citizens fleeing from danger and seeking asylum.
5. Launching a boycott against international corporations (e.g., Conco Ltd., a subsidiary of Coca Cola Co.) whose business interests are protected by the King’s authoritarian rule.