29 June, 2023
On the 29th of June, leaders of progressive movements, human rights activists, church leaders, survivors and family members of our fallen heroes of the June 29 2021 Swaziland Massacre, joined together to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of a day that will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of the people of Swaziland as a day of great tragedy and loss. We remembered the victims of the June 29 massacre, a day when the Swaziland government opened fire on it’s own people, killing dozens and wounding hundreds more. We remembered the young people, the students and workers who were demanding democratic reforms. We remembered the children and women who were caught in the crossfire. We remembered the families who lost loved ones.
The June 29 massacre was a watershed moment in Swaziland’s history. It showed the world that the Swaziland government is willing to use violence to suppress dissent. It also showed the strength, courage, sacrifice and determination of the Swazi people. The people will not be silenced by violence.
This was not only a day to mourn those who have passed, but a day to renew the commitment to the struggle for democracy in Swaziland. LAW-DERSWA with many others vowed to continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Swaziland. We demand the that the Swazi government ends it’s repression and start a genuine dialogue with the pro-democracy movement. We demand that the government release all political prisoners and to allow freedom of expression. We call for democratic and constitutional reforms in Swaziland.
We call on the international community to stand with the people of Swaziland in their struggle for democracy. We call on the international community to put pressure on the Swazi government to respect human rights and to allow the people to determine their own future. The people of Swaziland do not have a voice in their own government. The King continues to rule by decree and there is no independent judiciary. The people of Swaziland need the international community to hold the Swazi government accountable for it’s crimes against humanity.
The fight for democracy soldiers on, for without a fight we cannot be assured justice.