Mbabane: As calls for democracy intensifies, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Swaziland Crisis Multi-Stakeholder Forum, and the Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice (FSEJ) have been reported to have been part of the SADC people’s summit.
The SADC people’s summit is coordinated by the Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN) which is a membership-based network of national movements and people-driven initiatives for social and economic justice within the SADC region.
The Summit is a forum of civil society organizations and social movements from the Southern Africa region, where hundreds of people from grassroots organizations from Southern African countries gather together for the summit to discuss their issues.
On Tuesday, the People United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) posted pictures of its President Mlungisi Makhanya, Thabo Masuku, Director FSEJ, and Thulani Maseko, Chairman Multi-Stakeholders Forum Swaziland Crisis Multi-Stakeholder Forum Mary Pais at the SADC People’s summit in Malawi.
In an interview with the Independent News, PUDEMO spokesperson Sibusiso Siyaya confirmed that PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhaya will be part of the summit.
“PUDEMO is participating in the Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN) which seats along with the meeting of Head of States. A delegation is already there to attend led by the President of PUDEMO.”
“I must confirm that President Mlungisi Makhanya will be addressing particular to call on the international community to Isolate King Mswati III, and also call upon SADC to ensure that Swaziland adheres to the standards and statues of SADC by ensuring a democratic governance is realized in Swaziland,” he said.
Siyaya added that PUDEMO will use the platform to send a message to the people of Southern Africa on the problems faced by people in Eswatini, who also suffer oppression in many ways.
He said they will also be seeking solidarity for the Swazi people, amplifying the question of Swaziland being the only absolute monarchy, a country that has never tasted the fruits of its independence, and today it is suffocating in the brutal system of Tinkhundla.
The summit is taking place in Malawi from 17 to 27 August 2021, under the theme “Elevate Justice and Peace.”
The SADC people summit will also take place concurrently with the 41st SADC summit where Eswatini prime minister Cleopas Dlamini will be representing His Majesty, King Mswati III.
The political parties assemble, multi-stakeholder forum and FSEJ has actively been instrumental in coordinating efforts to convince the government to listen to the concerns of emaSwati and solve the current political unrest in a peaceful manner.
The political unrest and chaos in Eswatini left over 70 people killed, two pro-democracy members of parliament Mduduzi ‘Bacede’ Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube have been arrested and one, Mduduzi Magawugawu Simelane’s whereabouts are still unknown.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news:
Join Now
