What were the causes and consequences of the April 12, 2011, uprising in Swaziland

Abstract

Swaziland faces a number of problems with its current system of governance and a political change leaning towards a democracy seems likely, but poses a great challenge for opposition parties. The Swazi monarchy is the only remaining absolute monarchy in Africa and what is of particular interest for this dissertation, is the significance and impact of the April 12, 2011 Uprising that took place in the country; its causes and consequences. Importantly, this dissertation seeks to find solid reasoning behind the failure of the uprising. This dissertation will offer a detailed recount of the events that took place from before the scheduled day of the uprising, during the uprising and also consider the aftermath. More research still has to be done and more questions have to be asked in order to open up opportunity for more literature to be written on Swaziland. This research also seeks to explore ways in which the context of Swaziland can be better understood, especially with regards to how one makes sense of what really happened on April 12, 2011. Theories of revolutions and the revolutions of the Arab Spring will be drawn in as a point of reference for the case of Swaziland. On a larger scale, this research also seeks to make a contribution to the literature written on Swaziland.