CRIMES WITHOUT ACCOUNTABILITY: THE UNTOLD STORIES OF ARBITRARY DETENTIONS
In Eswatini, arbitrary detention has become a hallmark of the monarchy’s strategy to suppress dissent and maintain control. Activists, opposition figures, labor leaders, and ordinary citizens have been systematically targeted, arrested, and detained without due process. By September 2022, these practices had reached alarming levels, further entrenching a culture of impunity where those in power wield the justice system as a weapon against their critics.
The use of arbitrary detention in Eswatini is not new, but its escalation in recent years reflects the monarchy’s growing fear of the pro-democracy movement. Those who speak out against the regime often find themselves accused of terrorism or sedition under repressive laws like the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA) and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA). These laws, which have been widely criticized for their vague language and unconstitutional provisions, allow the state to criminalize peaceful activism and silence dissenting voices.
Among the most high-profile cases is that of Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, who were arrested in July 2021 for advocating political reform. Over a year later, they remained in detention, facing charges of terrorism and sedition. Their trial has been marred by allegations of torture, denial of legal representation, and other violations of their rights. Despite widespread calls for their release, including from Amnesty International and other human rights organizations, the government has shown no willingness to address the injustices they face.
These high-profile cases are only the tip of the iceberg. Many more individuals, whose stories go unreported, have been subjected to similar treatment. Community leaders who organize protests, union leaders demanding fair wages, and even students participating in peaceful demonstrations have been arrested and detained without formal charges. In many cases, detainees are held for weeks or months in deplorable conditions, denied access to their families, legal counsel, or medical care.
The conditions in detention facilities are a further indictment of the regime’s disregard for human rights. Reports from former detainees paint a grim picture of overcrowding, inadequate food and sanitation, and routine physical abuse. Torture is frequently used as a means to extract confessions or intimidate detainees into submission. These practices violate both domestic and international laws, yet they persist with little to no accountability.
The judiciary, which should serve as a check on executive power, has largely failed to uphold the rule of law. Courts in Eswatini often operate under the influence of the monarchy, prioritizing the interests of the state over the rights of the accused. This lack of judicial independence allows arbitrary detentions to continue unchecked, further eroding trust in the justice system.
For those of us in exile, the stories of those arbitrarily detained in Eswatini weigh heavily on our minds. Many of these individuals are friends, colleagues, and fellow activists who dared to demand a better future for our country. Their courage in the face of such adversity is inspiring, but their suffering is a stark reminder of the cost of speaking out against an oppressive regime.
The international community must do more to address the issue of arbitrary detention in Eswatini. Regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have a responsibility to hold the monarchy accountable for its actions and ensure that the rights of all citizens are respected. Global human rights organizations must continue to document these abuses and advocate for the release of those unjustly detained.
As activists, we have a duty to amplify the voices of those who cannot speak for themselves. The stories of those detained must be told, not only to expose the injustices they face but also to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The fight for their freedom is part of the broader struggle for democracy and human rights in Eswatini.
Arbitrary detention is a tool of oppression, but it is also a sign of the regime’s desperation. The monarchy may seek to silence its critics, but the resilience of the people of Eswatini cannot be suppressed. Justice will prevail, and those who have suffered at the hands of this regime will one day see accountability. Until then, we will continue to fight for their freedom and for the rights of every citizen to live without fear of persecution.
