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Article: Troubled times rock tradition: King Mswati III is one of the last remaining absolute monarchs left on earth. While the monarchy has provided stability in fair times, its role in a more hostile environment is being questioned. Neil Ford reports.(Swaziland)
- Article from:
- African Business
- Article date:
- March 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 IC Publications Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Despite the great changes that have occurred in Southern Africa over the past decade, the region plays host to one of the world's last absolute monarchies. Apartheid has fallen in South Africa, Namibia has gained its independence and peace is becoming more firmly entrenched in neighbouring Mozambique with each year that goes by but King Mswati III of Swaziland has shown no inclination to give up control and hand power to a democratically elected parliament.
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Mswati has ruled since 1986, when he succeeded his father Sobhuza II, who reigned for six decades. Despite his relative youth--the king is just 35 years old--he holds very ...