OPPOSITION LEADER POISONED: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY IN ESWATINI
The struggle for democracy in Eswatini has taken another dark turn, with the alleged poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). This alarming incident has once again placed the spotlight on one of Africa’s last absolute monarchies, where dissent is suppressed, and pro-democracy efforts are met with violence and intimidation.
THE INCIDENT
On Tuesday, Makhanya was reportedly poisoned in South Africa, where he is currently under security protection. PUDEMO stated that their leader was hospitalized following the incident but provided no further details about his condition or the circumstances surrounding the poisoning. The alleged attack comes just weeks before Makhanya was set to lead new pro-democracy protests in Eswatini.
Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo denied any involvement in the incident, but suspicions remain high. This event has drawn strong reactions from various groups, including South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters party, which accused Eswatini’s “oppressive Mswati regime” of being behind the attempt on Makhanya’s life.
A HISTORY OF OPPRESSION
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a nation of 1.2 million people ruled by King Mswati III, who has held power since 1986. As an absolute monarch, King Mswati controls all branches of government, appoints the prime minister, and has the power to make laws by decree. Political parties were banned in the 1970s, and while some now operate unofficially, they face significant challenges in a political system designed to favor the king.
Human rights groups have consistently criticized the king’s rule for stifling dissent and employing brutal tactics against those who demand reform. In 2021, pro-democracy protests rocked the country, marking one of the most significant challenges to Mswati’s reign. The government’s response was violent, with security forces killing at least 46 people, according to Human Rights Watch. The scars of those protests remain fresh, and the movement for democratic reform has only grown stronger.
TARGETING ACTIVISTS
The assassination of Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer and PUDEMO member, in January 2023 sent shockwaves across Eswatini. Maseko was shot dead in his home in front of his family, an act widely condemned as a political assassination. Despite international outcry, no one has been held accountable for his death. PUDEMO leader Makhanya labeled the killing a calculated move to silence dissent, a claim the government denied.
The alleged poisoning of Makhanya is seen as part of the ongoing campaign to intimidate and eliminate those who challenge King Mswati’s rule. It highlights the dangerous environment faced by activists in Eswatini, where standing up for democracy often comes at a high personal cost.
THE PEOPLE’S STRUGGLE
Under King Mswati III, Eswatini has faced widespread poverty and inequality. While the king enjoys a luxurious lifestyle with more than a dozen wives and extravagant spending, the majority of citizens struggle to make ends meet. This stark contrast has fueled resentment and calls for change, with the pro-democracy movement demanding a government that truly represents the people.
Makhanya’s planned protests were expected to reignite the fight for reform in Eswatini. His alleged poisoning is a clear attempt to derail these efforts and discourage others from joining the cause. However, the movement remains resilient, with many determined to see an end to autocratic rule.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
The alleged poisoning has sparked reactions beyond Eswatini’s borders. South African political parties have condemned the attack, with some urging the international community to increase pressure on King Mswati’s government. Human rights organizations have also renewed calls for accountability and reforms in Eswatini, emphasizing the need to protect activists and ensure justice for past abuses.
The fight for democracy in Eswatini continues despite the risks faced by those who lead it. Mlungisi Makhanya’s alleged poisoning is a chilling reminder of the lengths to which the regime will go to maintain power. Yet, the people of Eswatini remain steadfast in their demand for freedom and justice.
Eswatini’s future hangs in the balance. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the ongoing human rights abuses in the country. The voices of the oppressed deserve to be heard, and the struggle for democracy must not be in vain. #EswatiniLivesMatter #JusticeForAll
