Protests in Mbabane turn violent

Protests in Mbabane, the Swazi capital, calling for a transition to a multi-party democracy, turned violent on 4 September 2008. Approximately 5,000 people gathered in Mbabane to protest King Mswati's lavish lifestyle -- marked by the upcoming 6 September "40/40" celebration of Mswati's 40th birthday and the 40th anniversary of independence from Britain -- while approximately 40 percent of the population still lives in poverty. Protesters threw stones at shops and looted markets, forcing most businesses to close for the day; a small explosion also reportedly damaged a bus. Anti-riot police officers responded to the unrest, using a water cannon and tear gas to disperse the crowd. No injuries were reported. The protests on 4 September followed a similar march in the central commercial city of Manzini on 3 September. Labor unions have also threatened to hold additional protests from 15-19 September if their demands -- including improved health care and education facilities -- are not met.