London demonstration demands reform in Swaziland

A regular demonstration demanding political reform and democracy in swaziland took place today outside the swaziland High Commission in London.
Although King Mswati has a personal fortune of 100 million dollars plus two trusts funds of several billion dollars, 69% of his subjects live at or below the poverty line. Swaziland is the only absolute monarchy in Africa, (political parties are banned) the King must approve and can veto legislation passed by parliament before it becomes law, there is no participatory democracy and no respect for human rights. Swaziland has the highest global prevalence of HIV.

ACTSA (Action for Southern Africa) are asking that the EU and commonwealth be more outspoken and publicly condemn the lack of democracy in Swaziland (earlier this year the Queen shook hands with King Mswati before a dinner celebrating her jubilee). They also want the Swaziland government to (amongst other things) un-ban all political parties, end corruption, move to a democratic constitution, make a fairer distribution of national wealth and give more help for people with HIV.

More information here
http://www.actsa.org/page-1223-Swaziland.html