IMPUNITY REIGNS AS ESWATINI SUPPRESSES DISSENT

The Kingdom of Eswatini, ruled by King Mswati III, remains a stark example of unchecked authoritarianism in southern Africa. In 2023, the government intensified its repression of dissent, targeting activists, opposition figures, and ordinary citizens demanding political reform. The year has been marked by extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and systematic violations of basic rights, all carried out with impunity. This escalating crisis is a grim reminder of the challenges faced by those striving for democracy in one of the last absolute monarchies in the world.

The assassination of prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko in January set the tone for a year of state-enabled violence. Maseko, a vocal critic of the monarchy and an advocate for constitutional democracy, was gunned down in his own home. His death, widely regarded as a political assassination, was met with international condemnation. However, the Eswatini government has yet to launch an independent investigation or hold anyone accountable. This lack of action underscores a broader culture of impunity, as perpetrators of violence against activists operate without fear of consequences.

The killing of Maseko followed a series of attacks on other opposition members, including PUDEMO activists Maxwell Nkambule, Penuel Malinga, and Xolile Dlamini-Malinga. These individuals faced threats, harassment, and violent assaults, yet their cases remain unresolved. Such attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic effort to silence those calling for political reform. Since the pro-democracy protests of 2021, Eswatini’s government has consistently used force to suppress opposition voices, resulting in a series of unlawful killings and widespread human rights abuses.

Freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly are all under siege. Labor unions, such as the Swaziland Transport, Communication and Allied Workers Union (SWATCAWU), have faced relentless persecution for organizing strikes and protests. In January, an arrest warrant was issued for SWATCAWU general secretary Sticks Nkambule on spurious charges. Fearing for his safety, Nkambule was forced into hiding, joining the growing list of activists who have been driven underground by the government’s heavy-handed tactics.

Protests are routinely met with violence. On January 25, student demonstrators in Manzini faced a brutal police crackdown, resulting in arrests and injuries. Two days later, activists delivering a petition to the police headquarters were met with live ammunition, leaving two people wounded. Such incidents exemplify the state’s use of excessive force to quash dissent and intimidate citizens.

The situation is further exacerbated by the misuse of the legal system to punish dissenters. In June, former MPs Mthandeni Dube and Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza were convicted under the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act for their participation in the 2021 pro-democracy protests. The charges—terrorism, sedition, and murder—were widely criticized as politically motivated. While in detention, both men were subjected to beatings, denied medical care, and obstructed from meeting their lawyers. Their sentences, which could extend to 20 years, serve as a warning to others who might dare to challenge the monarchy.

Torture and other ill-treatment remain pervasive. PUDEMO member Brian Sihlongonyane was abducted, tortured, and abandoned in a forest after peacefully delivering a petition to the United Nations in April. Members of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) also reported beatings and torture during detention, only to be released without charges. These acts of brutality are not isolated; they are part of a deliberate strategy to instill fear and discourage activism.

While the government focuses on suppressing dissent, it neglects the basic needs of its citizens. Public healthcare is in crisis, with hospitals and clinics lacking essential supplies, staff, and infrastructure. In June and July, widespread protests erupted as citizens demanded access to basic medical care. The government’s response—a promise of sustainable financing and delivery strategies—has yet to yield tangible results. In the meantime, countless individuals continue to suffer due to inadequate healthcare services.

Land governance also remains a contentious issue, with hundreds of people facing the threat of forced eviction. Communities in Sigombeni and the Malkerns have launched legal challenges to protect their homes, but the lack of security of tenure leaves them vulnerable. The government’s failure to address this issue reflects a broader disregard for the rights and welfare of its citizens.

The rights of marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTI community, are also under attack. Consensual same-sex relationships remain criminalized, and discrimination against LGBTI individuals is widespread. In July, the Supreme Court ruled that the Registrar of Companies’ refusal to register the Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities (ESGM) group was unconstitutional. However, the acting Minister of Commerce and Trade dismissed the ruling, citing outdated legal principles. This defiance highlights the government’s unwillingness to uphold judicial independence or recognize the rights of vulnerable communities.

At the heart of these challenges is King Mswati III, who wields absolute authority over all branches of government. Political parties remain banned under a 1973 decree, and parliamentary elections held in August and September 2023 offered no meaningful choice to voters. With only independent candidates allowed to run, the electoral process serves to reinforce the king’s control rather than reflect the will of the people.

Despite these oppressive conditions, the spirit of resistance remains alive in Eswatini. Activists, labor unions, and ordinary citizens continue to demand justice and democracy, often at great personal risk. Their resilience is a testament to the strength of the pro-democracy movement, even in the face of relentless state repression.

The international community must not turn a blind eye to the plight of Eswatini’s people. Concrete action is needed to hold the government accountable for its abuses and to support those fighting for a just and democratic society. Until impunity is addressed and the monarchy is reformed, the struggle for freedom and human rights in Eswatini will persist.