COMMUNIST PARTY OF SWAZILAND CELEBRATES 13 YEARS OF STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY

The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS), founded on April 9, 2011, marked its 13th anniversary on Tuesday with a public statement reaffirming its commitment to the fight against Eswatini’s monarchy and Tinkhundla system. The CPS described its mission as dismantling a system it says is designed to exploit the people and resources of the country for the benefit of a minority ruling class.

In its statement sent to Swaziland News, the CPS emphasized its role in joining forces with other pro-democracy movements to end what it called the “murderous destruction” inflicted by the monarchy. The party reiterated its dedication to mass mobilization and presenting socialism as a solution to Eswatini’s political and economic crises, which it claims have resulted in systemic oppression and the erosion of the population’s rights.

“The CPS further committed to invigorate the struggle for freedom and democracy in Swaziland through mass protests and present a socialist perspective to struggling people as the ideal solution to the present political and economic crisis in our country,” the statement read. “The CPS seeks for a complete end of the autocracy and its replacement with a Democratic Republic established through pervasive democracy to end all forms of oppression and exploitation.”

The CPS pointed to the 2021 uprising as a turning point in Eswatini’s history, highlighting its role in challenging the regime and shifting the monarchy into what it described as a “permanent defensive position.” According to the CPS, the increased consciousness of the people is a critical development, but the party emphasized the need to master effective methods of struggle to achieve tangible change.

Key campaign areas for the CPS include the unbanning of political parties and organizations, freedom of the press and media, the right to free trade union activity, the unconditional release of political prisoners, and the return of exiles. These demands, the party stated, serve as the foundation for uniting Swazis against oppression and imperialist interests that perpetuate the monarchy’s grip on power.

“The regime has mobilized its external allies to stop the campaign for democracy in Swaziland. Imperialist and right-wing forces have adhered to the call by the autocracy to reinforce. Mercenary forces have joined in defense of the autocracy to establish a hybrid reactionary military force in defense of the unpopular, anti-people, and hated regime,” the statement continued.

The CPS expressed concern about the regime’s increasing reliance on external military support to suppress resistance and maintain its authority. The party condemned the use of mercenary forces to bolster the monarchy’s position, accusing the regime of prioritizing its survival over the well-being and freedom of the people.

As the CPS looks ahead, it reaffirmed its commitment to the liberation of Eswatini through mass mobilization, grassroots resistance, and solidarity with pro-democracy movements. The party’s 13-year journey, marked by significant milestones and continued resilience, remains rooted in its vision of a Democratic Republic where all citizens have full political rights and control of the state.

“The best to the people will come when they have full political rights and control of the state,” the CPS stated, emphasizing its belief that the people themselves hold the key to lasting change.

The CPS’s anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for democracy in Eswatini, where pro-democracy movements and activists continue to face significant challenges under the monarchy. As the party moves forward, its call for unity and resistance against oppression highlights the growing momentum of the pro-democracy movement in the kingdom.