TARGETED SANCTIONS LOOM OVER ESWATINI’S HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATORS FOLLOWING MASEKO’S ASSASSINATION

King Mswati and other high-profile Eswatini government officials accused of human rights violations, including the assassination of prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko, could soon face targeted sanctions under the United States (US) Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The potential sanctions follow a series of international actions aimed at holding those responsible for Maseko’s murder and other abuses accountable.

The late Maseko, Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum (MSF), was assassinated in his Luyengo home on January 21, 2023. The killing occurred mere hours after King Mswati publicly threatened those advocating for democratic reforms. Maseko’s assassination has drawn widespread condemnation and escalated international scrutiny of Eswatini’s human rights record.

The US recently honored Maseko posthumously through the Magnitsky Human Rights Awards, with the award accepted by his widow, Tanele Maseko. Senator Christopher Coons, Chairperson of the US Congress Committee on Foreign Relations, further intensified calls for accountability by tabling Resolution 174, which highlights Eswatini’s human rights violations following Maseko’s assassination.

The Global Magnitsky Act empowers the US President to impose economic sanctions, freeze assets, and deny entry to individuals or entities involved in human rights abuses or corruption. These measures often cascade globally, with allies such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union adopting similar sanctions.

When contacted by Swaziland News, King Mswati’s Spokesperson, Percy Simelane, dismissed allegations linking the King to Maseko’s murder, emphasizing that the case is under investigation. “Thulani Maseko’s murder is being investigated by seasoned intelligence, and until we hear from the police involved in the investigation, other claims will continue to fail to make sense to us without evidence linking this filthy crime with the King. May those who know who killed Mr. Maseko tell their story to the police and not to irrelevant ears,” Simelane stated.

A source close to the matter confirmed that a list of individuals potentially targeted by the sanctions is being finalized. “We are finalizing the list of targeted sanctions,” the source said.

Human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi criticized the lack of transparency in the investigation into Maseko’s murder. “The state has been quiet for almost a year now. For as long as there is no transparency on the investigations, the state will remain implicated. The call for an independent and transparent investigation is therefore justified, as the kingdom of Eswatini hasn’t done anything in a year,” Nhlabatsi said.

Sivumelwano Nyembe, Spokesperson for the MSF, welcomed the Magnitsky Human Rights Award bestowed on Maseko, describing it as a crucial recognition of his contributions. Nyembe expressed hope that the sanctions would compel the Eswatini government to comply with the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) resolution for an inclusive political dialogue. “This dialogue holds the promise of vital milestones: the lifting of bans on political parties, the formulation of a democratic constitution, and the ushering in of an accountable and participatory democratic government,” he stated.

Maseko, widely respected as a staunch advocate for democracy, was also a former Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Eswatini’s largest political party. PUDEMO has long lobbied for targeted sanctions against the royal family and government officials implicated in human rights abuses. National Spokesperson Brian Sangweni reiterated the organization’s support for the US’s proposed measures. “PUDEMO has a policy document calling for targeted sanctions against the royal family and government elites,” Sangweni said.

Eswatini remains an absolute monarchy where political parties are banned from elections, and human rights defenders, activists, and journalists face imprisonment, torture, or death for advocating for democracy. The international community’s growing focus on Eswatini’s human rights abuses could mark a turning point, as targeted sanctions may increase pressure on the monarchy to address its systemic violations. Whether these measures lead to meaningful reform or further entrench the regime remains to be seen.