Eswatini Police Intensify Crackdown on Political Gatherings: PUDEMO Meeting Disrupted

In yet another show of state repression, armed officers from the Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU), a paramilitary wing of the Eswatini police force, stormed Caritas-Manzini on Saturday afternoon. Their objective: to halt a political meeting organized by the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), the country’s largest opposition party.

The police intervention followed a social media post by the Times of Eswatini, reporting that the PUDEMO meeting was proceeding at Caritas despite having been stopped at the SNAT Centre. Earlier that day, police had gathered at the SNAT Centre after receiving intelligence suggesting that the meeting would take place there. However, upon learning that the event had been relocated, they rushed to Caritas and forcibly disrupted the proceedings.

This incident marks just the latest in a growing series of attacks on political freedom in Eswatini. A few weeks prior, police had similarly intervened to prevent PUDEMO from holding a strategic meeting, effectively demonstrating the government’s unwavering determination to stifle opposition voices.

The ongoing crackdown on political activities is deeply rooted in the absolute monarchy system under King Mswati III. As Africa’s last absolute monarch, the King wields unchecked power over every facet of governance, including the judiciary, legislature, and military. Political parties remain banned, and those who dare to challenge the status quo are met with brutality and intimidation.

It is worth noting that this oppressive stance is not new to Eswatini. For decades, the government has systematically suppressed any form of dissent, using state security forces as tools to silence opposition parties and activists. PUDEMO, which has long advocated for democratic reform and the unbanning of political parties, has borne the brunt of this repression.

The targeting of PUDEMO is not merely an isolated incident but part of a broader campaign to erode civil liberties and crush any aspirations for democratic governance. The Eswatini government, fearing the growing popularity of opposition voices, has resorted to deploying heavily armed units to terrorize and intimidate citizens. This blatant disregard for fundamental freedoms starkly contradicts international human rights standards and raises questions about the regime’s willingness to embrace genuine democratic change.

International human rights organizations and political activists have condemned the government’s iron-fisted tactics, calling for the immediate cessation of violent crackdowns on peaceful gatherings. Yet, King Mswati’s regime remains steadfast, dismissing calls for dialogue and reform.

As the struggle for democracy continues, the people of Eswatini remain resilient, holding onto the hope that one day, their voices will be heard and respected. Despite the ongoing harassment, PUDEMO and other pro-democracy movements persist in advocating for a future where freedom of speech, political pluralism, and human rights are no longer luxuries but guaranteed rights for every citizen.

The latest incident at Caritas is a stark reminder that the road to democracy in Eswatini remains long and arduous. But history has shown that no dictatorship can last forever. The people’s resolve for freedom and justice will ultimately prevail, regardless of how heavily the state tightens its grip.