Pro-reform strike in Swaziland eases
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mbabane (AP) - Shops reopened and factories resumed operations yesterday as a week-long national strike for democratic reforms in Swaziland eased.
Rural sugar and timber plantations remained at a standstill, but the main towns of Mbabane and Manzini teemed with people. A heavy police and military presence helped public transport to resume.
The strike shut down the nation of 1 million people, which is sandwiched between South Africa and Mozambique, for a week. King Mswati III called for people to return to work and accused the strikers of seeking to topple the monarchy. A growing pro-democracy movement wants the nation to adopt a constitution that legalises political parties and makes the king a constitutional monarch with no governing powers. The king indicated that talks on the political situation were possible, but has refused to concede any guarantees sought by the strike organisers.
"I think people have heeded the dictator," said Richard Nxumalo, president of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions and one of three labour leaders arrested last week and later released. "But the strike is not over."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments