Elusive dream of media freedom in Swaziland

King Mswati III courtesy of Free African Media

The media in Swaziland operate under difficult conditions characterised by state-induced fear and censorship by a government that tolerates neither criticism nor different political ideologies. Although the constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, these rights may be waived by the king at any time. In addition, while there are no laws banning or restricting criticism of the monarchy or other officials, journalists have been warned that publishing any such criticism could be construed as treason, terrorism, sedition or fall foul of the many laws that govern the media environment in Swaziland.