SPLM CONDEMNS KING MSWATI’S ARMY FOR THREATS AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Lioness Sibande, Secretary General of the Swaziland People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), has issued a statement strongly condemning threats and incitements to violence made by King Mswati’s army against human rights defenders and political activists. The threats were reportedly made during the Army Day Celebration at the Nokwane Army Headquarters on Friday, an event attended by former South African President Jacob Zuma and ex-Botswana President Lieutenant General Ian Khama.

The SPLM’s statement highlighted concerns over military drills demonstrated at the celebration, which were explicitly linked to suppressing future demonstrations. “The accompanying narrator emphasized that these drills were specifically designed to address future potential demonstrations,” the statement read. The SPLM called these actions a clear message of intimidation directed at those who advocate for justice and democracy in Eswatini.

Sibande noted that the demonstrations evoked painful memories for many Swazis, recalling the tragic events of October 20, 2022, when security forces deployed teargas inside a bus carrying unarmed government employees and Swazi citizens traveling to a peaceful and authorized march organized by the National Public Service Union (NAPSAWU). “In an unprovoked and barbaric act, gunshots were fired at the workers as they desperately tried to escape the suffocating gas fumes within the bus,” the statement recounted.

The SPLM condemned the use of military force against peaceful citizens, describing it as a blatant violation of human rights and a continuation of the oppressive tactics employed by King Mswati’s regime. The movement emphasized that the targeting of activists and workers only serves to deepen the divisions within Eswatini and escalate the ongoing political crisis.

The presence of high-profile international figures like Jacob Zuma and Ian Khama at the Army Day Celebration has drawn criticism, with many questioning their support or tacit approval of a regime widely accused of human rights abuses. The SPLM called on regional and international leaders to denounce such displays of military aggression and stand in solidarity with the people of Eswatini in their fight for democracy and justice.

Sibande’s statement also reiterated the SPLM’s commitment to nonviolent resistance and the protection of human rights. The movement urged the international community to hold the Eswatini government accountable for its actions and to support efforts to ensure the safety of activists and human rights defenders who face increasing threats from the regime.

The SPLM’s condemnation reflects the growing frustration among pro-democracy groups and civil society in Eswatini over the continued use of state violence to suppress dissent. For many, the military’s actions at Nokwane are yet another reminder of the lengths to which the monarchy will go to maintain its grip on power, even at the expense of its people’s rights and freedoms.

As calls for reform and accountability grow louder, the SPLM’s statement serves as a rallying cry for those seeking justice in Eswatini. The movement’s unwavering stance against oppression and its demand for an end to violence against activists highlight the resilience of the pro-democracy struggle, even in the face of escalating threats. The question remains whether the international community will respond to these urgent appeals and take meaningful action to support the people of Eswatini in their pursuit of freedom and democracy.