Swaziland: Now that we’ve met AGOA demands make some noise, PM tells unions
Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini has challenged the country’s workers federations to do their part by standing up and be counted through ‘making a lot of noise’ to the USA urging them to restore the country’s AGOA status before December 31.
He said government has done its part in making sure that the country meets the five benchmarks that were set by the Americans for the country to be readmitted to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by first speedily bringing the Industrial Relations Bill to Parliament that has already been passed into an Act by the King to address two of the benchmarks set by the United States of America (USA).
He hoped that no Swazi national would sneak out of the country to ask the Americans not to consider reinstating the country’s AGOA status while they go for the final review, which has been set at December 31, 2015.
Dlamini said they have been working very hard to ensure that the country meets the five benchmarks although it has not been easy as there are no shortcuts in putting up legislations as it is imperative that they do infringe on citizens’ rights.
“We have already made our submissions to the USA to urge them to readmit us to AGOA. We have also had to take to Parliament the Police Service Bill this week and this one will address the benchmark that seeks to control how members of the police service handle themselves during protest marches.
“We have worked on the police code of conduct and that should address it. This shows that the country is not by any means sitting down, but doing a lot of work to ensure that the issue of AGOA is being addressed.
“Even Parliament has taken some great strides in handling the Bill, which is now at the Portfolio Committee stage,” he stated.
He said the other benchmark touches on the country’s Public Order Act, which is a law that protests the nation like in other countries.
He said it is necessary in all countries so that there is order.
“While this legislation was made by the colonialists, we are seeking expertise to harmonise it and we have told the Americans about this as they make their review,” he added.
On the Suppression of Terrorism Act, the premier said they made this law after consulting with others that were witnessing terrorism acts in their countries.
He said they have told the Americans that work on this act has not been shelved, but the country is still working hard to make sure that it meets the requirements.
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