Repression by King Mswati III’s regime against independent media and opposition under pretext of combating terrorism continued, largely unchallenged by international community. 2 suspected petrol bombers charged with terrorism and treason denied bail 6 Aug; claim to have been tortured into confessing. Police claim attacks masterminded by banned opposition Swaziland Youth Congress.

Govt used new anti-terror law to increase pressure on opposition, banning 4 opposition groups 14 Nov and arresting pro-democracy activist and Pudemo party head Mario Masuko 15 Nov over alleged involvement in bombings during country’s flawed Sept elections.

King Mswati III reappointed ally Barnabas Dlamini as PM, brother Guduza Dlamini as parliamentary speaker following Sept’s controversial parliamentary elections, which saw widespread protests against country’s absolute monarchy. PM’s swearing-in 10 Oct briefly halted after MP pledged allegiance to “Swazi nation”, in rebuke to King. International civil society conferences in Manzini opened 16 Oct after High Court ruled against govt ban on political meetings; King Mswati same day promised to “strangle” political dissidents.

Massive pro-democracy protests surrounded 19 Sept polls, accompanied by series of bombings. Over 10,000 marched 3-4 Sept in capital Mbabane and Manzini, calling for end to ban on political parties and abolition of monarchy. Police blocked roads, arrested several in 18 Sept demonstrations near South African border posts. Explosion near royal palace 21 Sept killed 2 suspected bombers; 2 smaller blasts reported in Mbabane 4 Sep. Govt blamed opposition People’s United Democratic Movement, dismissed scale of unrest.

Unions threatened further strikes, continued demands for 2008 elections under multiparty democracy. King Mswati III rejected criticism while Swazi courts considered union application to appoint South African mediator. Police shot dead opposition activist Ntokozo Ngozo 15 August; denied political motivation.

Thousands of striking public sector workers demanded multi-party democracy, March 2008 elections, bringing Manzini and Mbabane to standstill 25-26 July.

Tensions over new constitution highlighted by police clampdown on opposition party rally 9 August. Debate emerged over future of political parties, banned under old laws, as royalist Sive Siyinqaba cultural organisation formally declared itself party.

Major donor EU announced suspension of direct funding to pressure government to practice good governance and accountability.

Pro-democracy protesters blocked South African- Swazi border crossing; SA police arrested 20, later released on bail. King Mswati said constitution lifted ban on political parties but opposition groups claimed still blocked from power.

Police cracked down on opposition PUDEMO party rally, arresting several party leaders.