SNUS PRESIDENT GABIE NDUKUYA ABDUCTED BY KING MSWATI’S POLICE

Gabie Ndukuya, President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) and an influential member of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS), was abducted by Eswatini police on Thursday morning in Mbabane. Her abduction came shortly after she attended a meeting with officials from the Mbabane Municipality and senior police officers to discuss the highly anticipated “Jobs and Scholarship For All Campaign” protest march scheduled for Friday.

Sambulo Shongwe, the Student Union’s Political Educator, confirmed Ndukuya’s abduction, expressing grave concern for her safety. “She was abducted shortly after our meeting with the Municipality officials. Mbabane Police Station Commander Dlamini and his assistant Jele were present at the meeting. Please publish this before anything happens to her,” Shongwe told Swaziland News.

Ndukuya is known for her leadership and advocacy for student rights, as well as her involvement in the broader pro-democracy movement in Eswatini. Her abduction highlights the increasing risks faced by activists and human rights defenders under King Mswati’s regime, which has a long history of targeting dissenters through arrests, harassment, and even killings.

Efforts to obtain a response from Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Police Spokesperson, were unsuccessful as no reply had been received at the time of reporting. The silence from the authorities has only fueled concerns over Ndukuya’s whereabouts and well-being.

The “Jobs and Scholarship For All Campaign” protest march, which Ndukuya was organizing, aims to address the dire unemployment rates and the lack of educational opportunities in Eswatini. These issues disproportionately affect the youth, many of whom see higher education and job creation as pathways to a better future. The protest has drawn significant attention, with students and activists mobilizing to demand systemic change.

Eswatini, ruled by King Mswati III as an absolute monarchy, continues to suppress political activism and dissent. Political parties are banned, and activists, human rights defenders, and journalists frequently face persecution for advocating for democracy. The abduction of Ndukuya is yet another example of the regime’s efforts to silence voices demanding accountability and reform.

Ndukuya’s disappearance has sparked outrage among pro-democracy groups and human rights organizations, both locally and internationally. The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS), to which she belongs, has condemned her abduction and called for her immediate release. The broader student movement and civil society groups have also rallied to demand her safety and freedom, emphasizing the importance of protecting those who fight for justice and equality.

The targeting of student leaders like Ndukuya reflects the regime’s fear of the growing youth-led pro-democracy movement. Students have played a pivotal role in pushing for change, using protests and advocacy campaigns to highlight the failures of the Tinkhundla system of governance. Their calls for education reform, job creation, and democratic inclusion resonate with a population that is increasingly frustrated with the monarchy’s disregard for their needs.

As concerns for Ndukuya’s safety grow, the international community is being urged to intervene. Human rights organizations and Eswatini’s allies are being called upon to hold the monarchy accountable for its actions and to pressure the regime to release Ndukuya and other detained activists.

The fight for democracy and justice in Eswatini continues to face significant challenges, but the resilience of leaders like Gabie Ndukuya serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination driving the movement. Her abduction is a stark illustration of the risks faced by those who dare to demand a better future for their country, but it is also a testament to the importance of standing firm in the face of repression. The call for her safe return grows louder with each passing hour, as Eswatini’s people and their allies rally to demand justice and accountability.