HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN ESWATINI: THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE
Eswatini’s human rights crisis continues to worsen, yet the international community’s response remains inadequate. As the monarchy escalates its repression of dissent, activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens face arbitrary detention, torture, and even death for daring to demand democracy. The global response, characterized by cautious condemnation and limited action, has so far failed to hold the Eswatini government accountable for its egregious violations of human rights.
The events of recent years, particularly the violent crackdown on the 2021 pro-democracy protests, laid bare the brutality of the regime. Over 80 people lost their lives as security forces used live ammunition and excessive force against unarmed civilians. Despite repeated calls for justice, no one has been held accountable. The monarchy continues to weaponize laws like the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA) and the Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA) to target dissenters, while the judicial system serves as a tool for silencing opposition rather than upholding justice.
The silence of key international actors in the face of these violations is deeply troubling. Regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have urged dialogue but have failed to take meaningful action. While SADC sent mediators to Eswatini following the 2021 protests, their efforts lacked urgency and transparency, and the recommendations for reform were largely ignored by the monarchy. This inaction has emboldened the regime, allowing it to continue its oppressive tactics with impunity.
Beyond the region, the broader international community has also been slow to act. Although organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented the abuses in Eswatini and issued urgent calls for accountability, these efforts have not translated into concrete measures from powerful nations or global institutions. Western governments, often vocal on human rights issues, have largely refrained from imposing sanctions or leveraging diplomatic pressure on the monarchy. This restraint leaves activists on the ground and in exile feeling abandoned.
The limited response can be attributed to several factors, including Eswatini’s strategic alliances and its status as a relatively small, landlocked nation. Unlike larger geopolitical hotspots, Eswatini does not draw significant global attention. This has allowed its government to operate under the radar, suppressing dissent with minimal scrutiny. The monarchy’s ability to maintain control over the narrative, portraying pro-democracy movements as a threat to stability, has further shielded it from international repercussions.
Despite these challenges, the role of international advocacy cannot be underestimated. Grassroots organizations and diaspora activists have been instrumental in bringing Eswatini’s human rights crisis to the forefront. Protests and campaigns in major cities around the world, from London to Johannesburg, have highlighted the plight of Swazis and demanded justice. These efforts, coupled with the work of international human rights organizations, have kept the issue alive and pressured governments to reconsider their stance on Eswatini.
One of the most pressing demands is for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights abuses, including members of the security forces and the monarchy’s inner circle. Such sanctions would send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate impunity. Additionally, global actors must call for the repeal of repressive laws like the SSA and STA and insist on the release of political prisoners, including Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.
The international community must also support efforts to strengthen civil society in Eswatini. Activists on the ground and in exile need resources and protection to continue their work. Governments and institutions should provide funding for advocacy campaigns, legal aid for political prisoners, and safe spaces for those fleeing persecution.
As an activist in exile, I know firsthand the importance of international solidarity. The people of Eswatini cannot fight this battle alone. The international community has a moral obligation to stand with us, to amplify our voices, and to hold the monarchy accountable for its actions. This is not just a fight for democracy in Eswatini—it is a fight for justice, dignity, and the fundamental rights that should be guaranteed to all.
Eswatini’s human rights crisis demands more than words; it demands action. The time for cautious diplomacy has passed. The international community must recognize that its inaction only strengthens the monarchy’s grip on power. The people of Eswatini have shown incredible courage in standing up to oppression. Now, it is up to the world to show that their sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we can build the momentum needed to bring about meaningful change and ensure that justice is no longer delayed or denied.
