NGO FORUM CALLS FOR RELEASE OF ESWATINI POLITICAL PRISONERS AND RETURN OF EXILES
The Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) under the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has passed a resolution urging King Mswati III’s government to release all political prisoners, including Members of Parliament Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube. The resolution also calls for the unconditional return of all political exiles, such as MP Mduduzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane, and the withdrawal of politically motivated charges.
The resolution, adopted during the Forum’s recent session in Banjul, Gambia, emphasized the need for urgent political reform in Eswatini. Among its key points, the Forum urged the government to facilitate a neutral venue for a properly mediated national political dialogue and to collaborate with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to ensure a peaceful transition to multiparty democracy.
“Release all political prisoners including but not limited to the two Members of Parliament, Mduduzi Bacede MABUZA and Mthandeni DUBE. Allow all exiles to unconditionally return including but not limited to MP Mduduzi SIMELANE and withdraw all politically motivated charges. Urgently ensure a neutral venue for a properly mediated national political dialogue and work with the SADC structures to ensure a smooth transition to multiparty democracy,” the resolution stated.
The Eswatini government, through Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, had not responded to a questionnaire about the resolution at the time of reporting.
The Forum’s resolution is a significant development, highlighting the ongoing international pressure on Eswatini’s monarchy to address its human rights violations. The country has faced widespread criticism for its treatment of political activists, journalists, and pro-democracy advocates, many of whom have been jailed, exiled, or targeted with politically motivated charges.
Eswatini was represented at the Forum by human rights lawyer Mary DaSilva of the MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF), who confirmed the adoption of the resolutions. “The Forum of NGOs has adopted those resolutions, and then the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights will analyze the resolution. If adopted, it will then be presented to the African Union (AU),” DaSilva explained.
The resolution’s demand for a neutral venue for national dialogue aligns with long-standing calls from pro-democracy groups and international organizations for genuine reform in Eswatini. With political parties banned and dissent often met with brutal repression, such dialogue is seen as a critical step toward addressing the country’s systemic issues and ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy.
The plight of political prisoners like Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, who were convicted on politically motivated terrorism charges, has drawn international condemnation. Both MPs were sentenced to life imprisonment after advocating for democratic reforms, highlighting the risks faced by those who challenge the monarchy’s authority.
Similarly, MP Mduduzi ‘Magawugawu’ Simelane remains in exile after fleeing persecution for his pro-democracy stance. His case, along with those of other exiles, underscores the regime’s use of fear and coercion to silence opposition voices.
The resolution adopted in Banjul reflects the growing consensus among African civil society groups that the situation in Eswatini requires urgent attention. As the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights prepares to consider the resolution, all eyes will be on the monarchy and its response to the mounting pressure for reform.
For many Swazis, the resolution offers hope that their struggle for freedom and democracy is gaining traction on the international stage. Whether these calls for change will translate into tangible action, however, remains to be seen. The journey toward justice and accountability in Eswatini is far from over, but the voices demanding it are growing louder with each passing day.
