SWAZI DISSIDENT MFOMFO WRITES ON

Swazi dissident Mfomfo Nkhmabule who fears he is about to face arrest for his outspoken views on King Mswati III and the undemocratic kingdom of Swaziland, is continuing with his criticism.

Nkhmabule, who used to write a weekly column for the Times of Swaziland, the kingdom’s only independent newspaper, until he was dropped by the paper after pressure from King Mswati, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch, has taken his column to the Internet.

The latest, published yesterday (1 June 2009), attacks the king and those around him for ‘partying, dancing and cruising all over Asia’ while not caring about the ‘lack of education for the Swazi people and their children’.

Nkhmabule goes on, ‘The Swazi people have served this monarch with their might, sweat and money hoping that the King would, in return, put them first in his priority list. The King is not making any sacrifice to show his people that he cares about them.’

To read the full column click here.

ARREST WARRANT ON SWAZI DISSIDENT

An arrest warrant has been issued for the arrest of Swazi dissident Mfomfo Nkhmabule.

Nkhmabule has been under attack for his views on the lack of democracy in Swaziland and the role of King Mswati III, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch.

On his own website, Nkhmabule reports:

‘There is to be a warrant issued for my arrest under the anti terrorism Laws of Swaziland, today (Sunday 1t May 2009).

‘This is most likely as a result of starting this website and speaking against the current regime in my Country. But fear not divided we stand, divided we fall and this site will continue with or without me.

‘We call upon the International Community and our regular watchers here to show support in writing both here, and, to your local MP in your country, the EU and the UN to help bring light upon our plight and suffering in this struggle for humanity.

‘The time Zimbabwe has passed, now it is the time for Swaziland to fight for its freedom and democracy in the World.

‘Why does the Commonwealth remain silent in such matters and yet so vociferous towards Zimbabwe? Where are the Americans and the British when you need them most?

‘It is time to stand up and shout about Swaziland and stop the death and corruption with its global repercussions. We have enlightened you to the Beef you are eating in the EU and yet nothing is heard, does nobody hear when there is an election on?

‘We will keep you posted on events as they unravel……’

SWAZI DISSIDENT TAKES TO INTERNET

Swazi dissident Mfomfo Nkhmabule, who had his regular column dropped by the Times of Swaziland on the instructions by of King Mswati III has set up his own site on the Internet.

Nkhmabule, a former Swaziland Government cabinet minister and present chair of the Inhlava Forum political party, had gained international attention with his comments against the Swazi ruling elite and his criticisms of King Mswati, sub-Saharan Africa’s last absolute monarch.

On his new site, he says, ‘Anybody standing against the system in Swaziland is branded a terrorist - yes a terrorist just for being a politician, a citizen and somebody who wishes to do the right thing by his fellow citizens as well as His Majesty.’

To access the site click here.

Meanwhile, Nkhmabule has been further victimised for his views. The Times Sunday reported that he was ‘chucked out of the royal fields and further threatened with mob violence’ last week.

The newspaper says ‘he was chased away because he is no longer a member of the Balondolozi regiment, following his expulsion for “writing negatively” about the country’s government and monarchy.

Nkhambule was previously hauled in by Swaziland’s state police and threatened with torture if he continued to criticise the king. He was later dropped from his traditional regiment, threatened with banishment from his homeland, and his family was threatened because he refused to be silenced.