THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S ROLE IN ESWATINI’S HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS
By December 2022, the international community’s response to Eswatini’s human rights crisis remained inconsistent, despite mounting evidence of state-sponsored violence, arbitrary detentions, and systemic repression. While advocacy organizations have tirelessly documented abuses and raised awareness, regional and global actors have fallen short of taking decisive action to hold the monarchy accountable. This inaction has prolonged the suffering of the people and allowed the regime to continue its oppressive practices with impunity.
Regional bodies, particularly the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have played a significant yet insufficient role in addressing Eswatini’s crisis. Following the violent crackdown on the 2021 pro-democracy protests, SADC called for dialogue between the monarchy and opposition groups. However, these calls lacked urgency and failed to produce tangible outcomes. The monarchy’s refusal to engage in meaningful discussions further undermined the credibility of these efforts. SADC’s reluctance to adopt stronger measures, such as sanctions or investigations, has left many Swazis feeling abandoned by their neighbors.
Globally, organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have been instrumental in documenting the abuses committed by the Eswatini government. Their reports have shed light on the widespread use of torture, the targeting of activists, and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. These efforts have kept Eswatini’s human rights crisis on the international agenda, but they have not been matched by significant action from powerful nations or multilateral institutions.
One of the most glaring failures has been the lack of targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights violations. Sanctions could serve as a powerful deterrent, signaling that the international community will not tolerate impunity. However, political considerations and a lack of coordinated pressure have prevented their implementation. Meanwhile, the monarchy continues to benefit from trade and diplomatic relationships with countries that could use their influence to demand accountability.
The limited response from the international community has emboldened the Eswatini regime. Knowing that the consequences of its actions are minimal, the government has continued to suppress dissent, weaponize laws against activists, and prioritize the interests of the elite over the needs of its citizens. This lack of accountability has deepened the crisis and prolonged the suffering of ordinary Swazis.
Despite these challenges, the efforts of advocacy organizations and diaspora communities have shown that international solidarity can make a difference. Protests outside Eswatini embassies, campaigns to raise awareness, and the amplification of activists’ voices have kept the pressure on the monarchy. These actions demonstrate that global attention and collective action are critical in the fight for justice and democracy.
The international community must go beyond expressions of concern. It must adopt a more robust and coordinated approach to address the crisis in Eswatini. Targeted sanctions, independent investigations into human rights abuses, and support for civil society organizations are necessary steps. Regional actors like SADC must take a stronger stance, recognizing that silence and inaction only embolden the regime.
The people of Eswatini have shown incredible courage in their struggle for freedom. Their resilience deserves more than empty words from the international community. They need tangible support and a commitment to justice from global actors who have the power to make a difference. The time for cautious diplomacy has passed; it is now a moment for decisive action. Without it, the human rights crisis in Eswatini will continue, and the fight for democracy will remain an uphill battle. The world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of a nation yearning for justice and dignity.
