ONE YEAR AFTER THE 2021 PROTESTS: WHERE IS JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS?
The echoes of the 2021 pro-democracy protests in Eswatini still resonate deeply. These protests, born out of frustration with decades of political oppression, marked a turning point in our nation’s history. Citizens from all walks of life courageously took to the streets to demand freedom, accountability, and democracy. However, their bravery was met with unprecedented brutality. Over a year later, justice for the victims of these protests remains elusive, and the wounds inflicted on our society remain open.
The scale of the violence during the 2021 protests was shocking. Security forces unleashed live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber bullets on unarmed civilians, leading to the deaths of over 80 people, with many more injured or permanently disabled. Homes were raided, communities terrorized, and activists targeted with arbitrary arrests and torture. Instead of addressing the root causes of the unrest, the government responded with suppression, silencing the voices of those who dared to demand change.
One of the most tragic aspects of this dark period is the lack of accountability. Despite the outcry from local and international human rights organizations, no investigations have been conducted into the killings or the excessive use of force by security forces. Families who lost loved ones continue to suffer in silence, denied the truth and justice they deserve. The state has not only failed to provide answers but has actively suppressed efforts to seek accountability.
This failure to address the violence reflects a broader culture of impunity in Eswatini. Security forces act with the assurance that they will not be held accountable for their actions. Activists, opposition leaders, and even journalists who report on state abuses are treated as enemies of the state. The justice system, rather than being a tool for fairness, has become an extension of the monarchy’s power, protecting perpetrators while punishing dissenters.
The lack of justice for the victims of the 2021 protests has also deepened the mistrust between the people and the state. Citizens see a government more interested in maintaining its grip on power than in addressing the needs and grievances of its people. The gap between the monarchy and the people it claims to represent grows wider each day, and with it, the calls for reform grow louder.
The international community has a critical role to play in ensuring justice for the victims of the 2021 protests. While there have been statements of condemnation, tangible actions have been limited. Regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have urged dialogue, but their failure to hold the Eswatini government accountable sends a message of complicity. The people of Eswatini need more than words—they need action. Sanctions on individuals responsible for the violence, independent investigations into the killings, and pressure for meaningful political reform are necessary steps.
Despite the challenges, the spirit of the 2021 protests endures. The courage displayed by ordinary citizens in standing up to an oppressive regime cannot be erased. Their sacrifices have inspired a new generation of activists who are determined to continue the fight for democracy. While the state may try to suppress this movement, it cannot extinguish the hope and resilience of a people who refuse to be silenced.
Justice for the victims of the 2021 protests is not just about addressing past wrongs; it is about shaping the future of Eswatini. Without accountability, the cycle of violence and repression will continue. The people of Eswatini deserve a government that respects their rights, values their lives, and works for their welfare. Achieving this requires dismantling the structures of impunity and building a society rooted in justice and equality.
As we reflect on the events of the 2021 protests, let us honor the memory of those who lost their lives by continuing the fight for the ideals they stood for. The path to democracy may be long and fraught with challenges, but it is a journey worth taking. Together, we can build an Eswatini where justice is not just an aspiration but a reality. The voices of the 2021 protests will not be forgotten, and their demands for freedom and dignity will not go unanswered.
