SNUS PRESIDENT RELEASED AFTER TORTURE AND INTIMIDATION BY POLICE
Gabie Ndukuya, President of the Swaziland National Union of Students (SNUS) and an influential member of the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS), has been released after being tortured and interrogated by police loyal to King Mswati’s regime. Ndukuya was abducted on Thursday morning in Mbabane following a meeting with officials and senior police officers regarding the planned “Jobs and Scholarship For All Campaign” protest march scheduled for Friday.
Speaking to Swaziland News shortly after her release, Ndukuya detailed the intimidation and threats she endured during her detention. Senior Superintendent Clement Sihlongonyane and other senior police officers interrogated her, attempting to dissuade her from continuing her activism. “I was told that I will never be employed by the eSwatini Government and that I will be nothing in life like former President Colani,” Ndukuya said. Despite these threats, she affirmed her commitment to the struggle, stating, “I’m safe, the struggle continues, and the campaign will proceed as planned tomorrow.”
Ndukuya’s abduction and subsequent torture have drawn widespread condemnation from activists and human rights defenders, who view her treatment as part of a broader strategy by King Mswati’s regime to suppress dissent and intimidate pro-democracy leaders. The use of state security forces to target individuals advocating for justice and equality has become a hallmark of Eswatini’s authoritarian governance.
The “Jobs and Scholarship For All Campaign” protest march, which Ndukuya was organizing, seeks to address critical issues facing Eswatini’s youth, including rampant unemployment and limited access to higher education opportunities. These systemic challenges have left many young people disillusioned, fueling growing demands for political reform and accountability from the monarchy.
Ndukuya’s release does little to mitigate the climate of fear and repression faced by activists in Eswatini. The monarchy’s use of intimidation tactics and violence against those who challenge its authority underscores the systemic nature of the human rights violations occurring in the kingdom. Activists and human rights defenders frequently face arbitrary arrests, torture, and, in some cases, extrajudicial killings, with little accountability for those responsible.
The targeting of student leaders like Ndukuya reflects the regime’s recognition of the growing influence of youth-led pro-democracy movements. Students have played a pivotal role in pushing for reform, using protests and advocacy campaigns to challenge the status quo and demand a better future. Their courage and resilience, despite the risks, continue to inspire a broader movement for change in Eswatini.
As Ndukuya prepares to lead the planned protest march, her ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who stand up to the monarchy. Yet, her determination to proceed with the campaign highlights the unwavering spirit of Eswatini’s youth, who refuse to be silenced in their pursuit of justice and democracy.
The international community has been called upon to take a stronger stance against the repression in Eswatini, with human rights organizations urging action to hold the regime accountable for its violations. Ndukuya’s case is a glaring example of the urgent need for systemic change to protect activists and ensure their safety.
Despite the challenges, the pro-democracy movement in Eswatini remains steadfast, driven by leaders like Ndukuya who are willing to risk everything for the hope of a better future. Her release is a temporary relief, but the broader fight for justice and equality in Eswatini continues. As the protest march approaches, all eyes will be on the kingdom to see how the regime responds to the voices of its people demanding change.
