ACTIVISM IN EXILE: THE ROLE OF ESWATINI’S DIASPORA IN THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY
For many Swazis who have fled the oppressive rule of King Mswati III, exile is not an escape but a continuation of their struggle for justice and democracy. By November 2022, the role of Eswatini’s diaspora in the pro-democracy movement had become increasingly vital. These individuals, scattered across the globe, have used their relative freedom to amplify the voices of those still in Eswatini, organize international advocacy, and push for accountability on a global scale. Despite being miles away from home, their commitment to the cause remains unwavering.
Life in exile is often marked by emotional and practical challenges. Activists who leave Eswatini to escape harassment, detention, or violence must rebuild their lives in foreign countries while carrying the weight of their advocacy. Many have left behind families who remain vulnerable to retaliation from the regime. The psychological toll of separation and the fear for loved ones back home can be immense. Yet, for those in the diaspora, the sense of duty to their homeland outweighs these difficulties, driving them to continue their fight from afar.
The diaspora plays a crucial role in raising international awareness about the human rights crisis in Eswatini. Activists in countries like the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the United States have organized protests, hosted events, and engaged with media outlets to shed light on the monarchy’s abuses. These efforts have been instrumental in keeping Eswatini’s struggles on the global agenda, ensuring that the regime’s actions do not go unnoticed.
Advocacy within international institutions is another critical area where the diaspora has made a significant impact. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have worked closely with exiled Swazi activists to document abuses and lobby for international action. Diaspora members have testified before regional and global bodies, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations, calling for sanctions against the monarchy and support for democratic reforms.
Social media has also become a powerful tool for the diaspora. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube allow activists to connect with audiences worldwide, share updates from Eswatini, and counter the regime’s propaganda. Through these platforms, the diaspora has created a virtual space for solidarity, where Swazis at home and abroad can come together to strategize and support one another.
Despite their efforts, activists in exile face significant challenges. Transnational repression is a constant threat, with the Eswatini government using surveillance, online harassment, and intimidation tactics to target dissenters abroad. Families of exiled activists often face harassment or detention as a form of retaliation, creating additional pressure on those working from outside the country. These tactics are designed to isolate and silence the diaspora, but they have only strengthened the resolve of those fighting for justice.
The resilience of the diaspora is matched by their creativity in finding ways to support the movement at home. Fundraising efforts have provided much-needed resources for grassroots organizations and families affected by the regime’s violence. Collaborative projects between activists in exile and those on the ground have ensured that the movement remains unified, despite the physical distance.
As an activist in exile myself, I know the challenges and opportunities that come with this role. Living in the United Kingdom has given me the freedom to speak out without fear of immediate reprisal, but it has also placed a heavy responsibility on my shoulders. Like many in the diaspora, I feel the weight of representing those who cannot speak freely and the urgency of amplifying their struggles to the world.
The diaspora’s contribution to the fight for democracy in Eswatini is indispensable. Their voices, free from the immediate control of the regime, serve as a lifeline for the movement, ensuring that the fight for justice does not lose momentum. However, the international community must do more to support these efforts. Governments hosting Swazi activists should provide protection from transnational repression and create platforms for their advocacy. Regional bodies like SADC must listen to the diaspora and act decisively to hold the monarchy accountable.
Activism in exile is a testament to the resilience of the Swazi people. It demonstrates that the fight for democracy cannot be contained by borders or silenced by threats. As the diaspora continues to push for justice, their efforts remind us all that freedom is worth fighting for, no matter where that fight takes place. Together, at home and abroad, we will continue to demand a democratic Eswatini where every voice is heard and every life is valued. The journey is long, but the destination is clear: a free and just Eswatini for all.
