PUDEMO Ramps Up Global Advocacy with UK Parliament Engagement

Cape Town, South Africa – The People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Eswatini’s leading pro-democracy movement, has intensified its international outreach with a strategic meeting between its Treasurer General, Comrade Velaphi Mamba, and UK Labour Party Member of Parliament Kim Johnson.

The meeting, held in Cape Town, marks a significant step in PUDEMO’s efforts to internationalize the Swazi struggle for democracy, as part of its International Work Pillar.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to build international alliances and pressure for democratic change in Swaziland,” said PUDEMO in a statement following the engagement.

Key Points Discussed:

• Raising Motions in the UK Parliament: Cde Mamba urged MP Kim Johnson to initiate formal parliamentary debates and motions that highlight the political crisis in Eswatini.
• Call for National Political Dialogue: The need for an inclusive national dialogue remains central to PUDEMO’s strategy for transitioning the country from an absolute monarchy to a democratic state.
• Release of Political Prisoners and Return of Exiles: PUDEMO reiterated its call for the immediate release of all jailed political activists and the safe return of exiled pro-democracy leaders.
• Global Roundtable on Swaziland: The movement proposed the convening of a global summit to coordinate international solidarity and intervention strategies.
• Support for the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM): The meeting also emphasized the importance of bolstering grassroots and regional movements aligned with PUDEMO’s cause.

The meeting signals growing global attention to Eswatini’s political situation, which has drawn increased scrutiny since the 2021 unrest and subsequent clampdowns on dissent. PUDEMO, which has been banned within the kingdom, continues to advocate from exile and through underground networks for multi-party democracy, human rights, and social justice.

By strengthening ties with foreign lawmakers and organizations, PUDEMO aims to amplify calls for reform and apply diplomatic pressure on the Eswatini government. The organization sees international solidarity as a key lever in its broader push for systemic change.

“Until Swaziland is free,” the statement concludes, echoing PUDEMO’s long-standing rallying cry.