Pressure builds on last absolute king

The Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) has held protests outside the High Commission every Friday since January with its allies the South African Communist Party, trade union federation COSATU, the ANC Youth League and other democratic organisations.

They have been demanding the release of imprisoned Peoples' United Democratic Movement president Mario Masuku and other political prisoners, and the restoration of democracy in southern Africa's last absolute monarchy.

On June 8 protesters refused to leave until there was a commitment from the High Commission and official feedback. The High Commissioner gave in and agreed to meet SSN today.

The SSN delegation of national chairman Solly Mapaila and five others said that they highlighted the need for the Swazi monarchy to recognise the inevitability of dialogue and a peaceful transition to democracy.

They delivered a statement, signed by 14 South Afrcian, political, trade union and solidarity organisations calling for "direct, open, credible talks between the monarch on the one hand and the representatives of the people on the other."

Present King Mswati III's father Sobhuza II suspended the nation's constitution in 1973, five years after independence from Britain. Political parties remain banned and the prime minister is appointed by the King.

Mr Masuku was jailed last November under the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act, which allows the state to imprison members and supporters of any organisation that it brands terrorists.