THE LONG ARM OF REPRESSION: HOW ACTIVISTS FACE HARASSMENT BEYOND ESWATINI’S BORDERS

For activists fleeing Eswatini’s oppressive regime, crossing the border does not always guarantee safety. The monarchy’s grip extends far beyond the country’s boundaries, targeting activists in exile through intimidation, surveillance, and harassment. As an activist now living in the United Kingdom, I have experienced firsthand the lengths to which the Eswatini government will go to suppress dissent, even across borders. This transnational repression is a stark reminder that the struggle for democracy and human rights in Eswatini knows no geographic boundaries.

The monarchy views exiled activists as a threat to its grip on power. Those who flee often continue their advocacy from abroad, amplifying the voices of those still in Eswatini and exposing the regime’s abuses on international platforms. This work challenges the carefully controlled narrative the government seeks to maintain, making exiled activists prime targets for harassment. The state’s response is to treat such individuals not as critics, but as enemies, employing various tactics to silence them.

One of the most common forms of transnational repression is surveillance. Activists in exile report being monitored by individuals linked to the regime, often through social media or in-person encounters. This surveillance aims to instill fear and discourage activism. The knowledge that the government is watching can be deeply unsettling, especially for those whose families remain in Eswatini and are vulnerable to retaliation.

Another tactic is the spreading of misinformation. State-sponsored agents or sympathizers often use online platforms to discredit exiled activists, branding them as traitors or fabricating claims to undermine their credibility. This tactic is particularly damaging as it seeks to isolate activists from their communities and supporters, both abroad and at home. The goal is not only to silence critics but to weaken the broader pro-democracy movement by sowing division and doubt.

For some activists, the harassment becomes even more personal. Threatening messages, anonymous phone calls, and even attempts to follow them in their host countries have been reported. These actions are designed to create a sense of insecurity, making it clear that exile does not mean freedom from the regime’s reach. In extreme cases, families back in Eswatini are targeted as a form of leverage, with relatives being detained or harassed as a warning to those in exile.

This repression is not limited to individuals. Activist organizations operating abroad also face significant challenges. Attempts to discredit their work, disrupt events, or infiltrate networks are common. These efforts aim to dismantle the solidarity that has been built among the diaspora and undermine international advocacy campaigns. Despite these challenges, many organizations continue to stand firm, providing critical support for the fight for democracy in Eswatini.

The international community must recognize and respond to the Eswatini regime’s transnational tactics. Governments hosting exiled activists have a responsibility to ensure their safety and protect them from harassment. This includes providing asylum where necessary and holding individuals or entities involved in transnational repression accountable. Regional bodies, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), must also address the Eswatini government’s violations, both within and beyond its borders.

For those of us in exile, the fight for Eswatini’s democracy does not end when we leave. If anything, it intensifies. We carry with us the voices of those who cannot speak freely and the memories of those who have paid the ultimate price for standing up to oppression. The harassment we face is a testament to the power of our work—it is proof that the regime fears the truth we speak.

Despite the challenges, we remain undeterred. The struggle for a free and democratic Eswatini is too important to abandon. The monarchy’s reach may be long, but our determination is stronger. As we continue to fight from afar, we stand in solidarity with those still on the ground, knowing that together, we will overcome the tyranny that seeks to silence us. The road is long, but justice and freedom are worth every step.