ESWATINI’S SUPPRESSION OF DISSENT: A NATION SILENCED BY FEAR
In Eswatini, the struggle for democracy is met with a fierce response from a regime determined to maintain absolute power. The events of June 2022 epitomized the state’s ongoing campaign to suppress dissent, using laws, violence, and fear to silence its critics. For activists like myself, who now find refuge in the United Kingdom, the realities of this repression remain close to my heart. As I write this, my thoughts are with those who continue to fight for justice, democracy, and freedom back home.
In June 2022, the political climate in Eswatini remained tense as the aftermath of the 2021 pro-democracy protests lingered. The monarchy, led by King Mswati III, continued to use every tool at its disposal to crush opposition. Reports of arrests, intimidation, and harassment of activists, labor union leaders, and community organizers became routine. Many of these individuals were detained under repressive laws such as the 1938 Sedition and Subversive Activities Act and the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act—both of which have been weaponized to criminalize dissent.
One particularly alarming case was the ongoing detention of Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. These MPs, arrested in July 2021, were still languishing in prison under charges of terrorism and sedition in 2022. Their “crime” was representing their constituencies and calling for political reform. The international community, including Amnesty International, had repeatedly called for their release, yet the government showed no intention of addressing their unjust detention. Their ordeal serves as a stark example of the risks faced by those who dare to question the status quo.
Meanwhile, labor unions also bore the brunt of state repression. The Swaziland Transport, Communication and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU) faced relentless persecution for organizing strikes and advocating for better working conditions. Union leaders, including Sticks Nkambule, were targeted with threats and arrest warrants, forcing many into hiding. These actions were not isolated; they formed part of a calculated strategy to weaken civil society and stifle collective action.
The suppression of dissent extended beyond activists and labor unions. Reports of excessive use of force by security forces continued to surface, with police and military units deploying violence to disperse peaceful gatherings. In rural areas, forced evictions displaced hundreds, as the monarchy’s land policies favored elites over ordinary citizens. Communities like those in Sigombeni and the Malkerns were left to navigate legal battles with limited resources, highlighting the systemic inequalities that plague Eswatini.
The judiciary, which should act as a safeguard against such abuses, has been co-opted by the monarchy. Courts routinely upheld charges against activists while failing to address cases of police brutality or unlawful detentions. The legal system, instead of offering recourse, became another weapon in the regime’s arsenal to suppress opposition voices.
June 2022 also saw an increase in digital repression. Social media platforms, which have become vital tools for activists to organize and share information, were closely monitored by the state. Many activists reported being targeted with online harassment, surveillance, and hacking attempts. The fear of state-sponsored digital espionage silenced many who would have otherwise spoken out.
Internationally, Eswatini’s human rights record drew criticism, but tangible actions to hold the monarchy accountable were lacking. Regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) maintained their cautious stance, urging dialogue without addressing the systemic abuses. Meanwhile, activists in exile, including myself, worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of those on the ground, urging global actors to take a firmer stance against the regime’s repression.
As I reflect on June 2022, what stands out most is the resilience of the people of Eswatini. Despite the state’s efforts to silence them, they continue to demand justice, dignity, and democracy. Their courage is a testament to the unyielding human spirit, and it is their struggle that drives my work in exile.
Eswatini cannot afford to remain a nation silenced by fear. It is time for the international community to step up, for regional bodies to move beyond rhetoric, and for the monarchy to recognize that the call for democracy is not a crime—it is a right. As we document these events and tell these stories, we honor those who have suffered and ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The fight for Eswatini’s freedom is far from over, and I will continue to use my voice to demand justice for my people.
