FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IN JEOPARDY: HOW ACTIVISTS FACE UNSEEN BARRIERS
In Eswatini, the fight for democracy and justice is not limited to public protests and courtrooms—it extends to a fundamental right that many take for granted: freedom of movement. By October 2022, the monarchy had escalated its efforts to control and restrict the mobility of activists and dissenters, turning even routine travel into an act fraught with risk and intimidation. For those who speak out against the regime, borders, checkpoints, and surveillance have become tools of repression, designed to isolate and silence them.
One of the most alarming tactics employed by the regime is the targeting of activists at border crossings. Reports of individuals being detained, interrogated, or denied entry into the country are becoming increasingly common. In some cases, passports are confiscated, and vague accusations are made about the individual’s involvement in activities deemed “subversive” by the state. This tactic not only disrupts the lives of activists but also serves as a chilling warning to others who may consider engaging in dissent.
Activists living in exile, myself included, often find their movements heavily monitored. Attempts to return to Eswatini to visit family or participate in advocacy efforts are met with heightened scrutiny. The state’s intelligence apparatus tracks individuals seen as threats to the monarchy, leveraging border controls to remind them that their activism has consequences. These actions create a sense of insecurity and isolation, making it difficult for exiled activists to maintain connections with their home communities.
Even within Eswatini, freedom of movement is increasingly restricted. Police and military checkpoints are frequently set up on major roads, ostensibly for security purposes but often used to target known activists. Individuals traveling to protests or political gatherings are stopped, questioned, and sometimes detained without cause. These checkpoints, combined with the surveillance of public transport systems, create an environment where moving freely feels like an act of defiance.
The monarchy’s strategy goes beyond physical barriers; it extends into the digital realm. Social media platforms, which have become essential tools for organizing and sharing information, are closely monitored by state actors. Activists using these platforms often find themselves flagged for additional scrutiny at borders or during internal travel. The government’s ability to weaponize both physical and digital spaces against its critics highlights the far-reaching nature of its control.
These restrictions on freedom of movement have profound implications for the pro-democracy movement in Eswatini. They limit the ability of activists to organize, connect, and mobilize effectively. By isolating individuals and preventing the free flow of ideas and resources, the regime seeks to weaken the movement from within. At the same time, these tactics serve to instill fear, discouraging others from joining the struggle.
The impact of these barriers is particularly severe for women activists, who face not only the state’s repression but also societal norms that discourage their mobility. Women who travel for advocacy work are often subjected to additional scrutiny and stigma, making their efforts even more challenging. Despite these obstacles, many women continue to lead and participate in the movement, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination.
The international community has a role to play in addressing these violations. Governments and organizations must hold Eswatini accountable for its actions, ensuring that freedom of movement is respected as a fundamental human right. Advocacy groups can provide support to activists facing these challenges, offering legal assistance, safe travel options, and platforms to amplify their voices.
As an activist, I have seen firsthand how restrictions on movement are used to stifle dissent. But I have also witnessed the creativity and resilience of those who refuse to be silenced. The people of Eswatini are finding ways to navigate these barriers, using technology, solidarity, and resourcefulness to continue their fight for democracy.
The right to move freely is essential to the struggle for justice. It is about more than physical travel—it is about the ability to connect, to organize, and to stand together against oppression. The regime may attempt to restrict this right, but it cannot stop the movement for change. The fight for freedom of movement is part of the broader fight for a democratic Eswatini, and it is a fight we will not abandon. Together, we will continue to push against these barriers, knowing that every step forward brings us closer to the future we deserve.
