International community urged to intervene

One of Swaziland’s major underground political movements called on the international community on Friday to intervene in the political crisis in the kingdom. “We call upon the international community to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the country’s problems,” Kislon Shongwe, national coordinator of the banned People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), was quoted as saying. “The SADC (the Southern African Development Community) and the international community should act now and not wait until the worst befalls the country.” Swaziland has in recent weeks been rocked by a series of protests by students and unions demanding democratic reforms and workers rights. Shongwe accused the government of using violence against protesters.