ESWATINI’S POLITICAL PRISONERS: FORGOTTEN VOICES OF REFORM

The struggle for democracy in Eswatini is marked by the stories of those who have been silenced and imprisoned for their courage to demand change. By December 2022, the plight of political prisoners remained a stark reminder of the monarchy’s intolerance for dissent. These individuals—activists, opposition leaders, and ordinary citizens—have been detained under repressive laws, subjected to inhumane conditions, and denied their basic rights. Yet, their voices and sacrifices continue to resonate within the pro-democracy movement, reminding us of the cost of freedom.

Among the most prominent political prisoners are Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. Arrested in July 2021 for advocating political reform, they remain incarcerated, facing charges of terrorism and sedition under laws designed to criminalize dissent. Their trial has been characterized by allegations of torture, restricted access to legal representation, and a lack of transparency. These two MPs symbolize the regime’s fear of legitimate political opposition and its determination to silence those who challenge its authority.

But the list of political prisoners extends far beyond high-profile cases. Many grassroots activists, labor leaders, and community organizers have been detained for participating in protests, delivering petitions, or merely speaking out against injustice. These individuals often face prolonged periods of detention without trial, subjected to overcrowded and unsanitary prison conditions. For many, the psychological toll of incarceration is compounded by the knowledge that their detention is a direct consequence of their courage to demand a better future for Eswatini.

The use of repressive laws, such as the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA) and the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA), has been instrumental in legitimizing the detention of political prisoners. These laws, criticized for their broad and vague language, allow the state to target anyone it deems a threat to the monarchy. Despite being declared unconstitutional in part by Eswatini’s own courts, these laws continue to be wielded as tools of oppression, enabling the regime to operate with impunity.

The lack of accountability within the judicial system further exacerbates the plight of political prisoners. Courts frequently side with the state, dismissing evidence of abuse or procedural violations. Bail applications are often denied without justification, and trials are delayed indefinitely, leaving detainees in limbo. This lack of due process highlights the judiciary’s role as an enabler of the monarchy’s repression, rather than as a protector of justice.

The stories of political prisoners are not just stories of injustice—they are also stories of resilience. Many of those detained remain steadfast in their commitment to democracy, using their imprisonment as a platform to highlight the regime’s abuses. Their courage inspires others within and outside Eswatini to continue the fight for freedom, ensuring that their sacrifices are not in vain.

The international community has a responsibility to address the plight of Eswatini’s political prisoners. Advocacy organizations and foreign governments must continue to call for their release and press the monarchy to uphold its human rights obligations. Sanctions against individuals responsible for these detentions, along with support for independent investigations, can help bring accountability to a system that currently operates without consequence.

Eswatini’s political prisoners represent the conscience of the pro-democracy movement. Their imprisonment is a testament to the regime’s fear of change, but their resilience is a reminder that the fight for justice cannot be silenced. These individuals are not just prisoners of conscience—they are symbols of hope and determination.

The voices of political prisoners may be confined within the walls of detention centers, but their message continues to echo across the nation and beyond. Their courage serves as a call to action for all who believe in democracy and human rights. The fight for their freedom is a fight for the soul of Eswatini, and it is a fight that must not be abandoned. The dream of a just and democratic Eswatini lives on in their sacrifices, and one day, it will become a reality.