THE MONARCHY AND MEDIA: SILENCING THE PRESS IN ESWATINI
The role of the media in holding power to account has been systematically eroded in Eswatini, where the monarchy continues to suppress independent journalism and control narratives to maintain its grip on power. By March 2023, the regime’s efforts to silence dissenting voices in the press had intensified, further limiting the flow of information and stifling the public’s right to know.
Journalists in Eswatini face an increasingly hostile environment. Independent media outlets struggle to operate under the constant threat of censorship, harassment, and intimidation. Reporters covering sensitive topics, such as corruption, human rights abuses, or the pro-democracy movement, are frequently targeted by security forces. Arbitrary arrests and physical assaults have become tools of repression, sending a chilling message to those who dare to investigate or critique the monarchy.
Self-censorship has become a survival mechanism for many in the media. Fear of retaliation has led journalists and editors to avoid publishing stories that might provoke the regime’s ire. This has created an information vacuum, where the public is often denied access to critical insights about the government’s actions and the realities of life under the monarchy.
State control of media outlets compounds this issue. Television, radio, and print platforms largely serve as propaganda tools, promoting loyalty to King Mswati III and portraying dissenters as enemies of the state. These outlets frame the monarchy as a unifying force while dismissing the pro-democracy movement as disruptive and unpatriotic. By controlling the narrative, the regime seeks to isolate activists and weaken public support for their cause.
Social media has emerged as a crucial space for resistance, providing a platform for citizen journalism and grassroots reporting. Activists and ordinary citizens have used platforms like Twitter and Facebook to share real-time updates, document human rights abuses, and amplify the voices of those silenced by the mainstream media. However, the regime has increasingly sought to control these digital spaces as well. Internet shutdowns, surveillance, and targeted harassment of online critics are now common tactics used to stifle digital dissent.
The consequences of this media suppression are profound. Without access to accurate and independent information, Swazis are unable to make informed decisions about their future or hold their leaders accountable. The lack of transparency also allows the regime to operate with impunity, concealing corruption and human rights violations from public scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, journalists and media advocates in Eswatini continue to push for press freedom. Independent outlets and reporters, though operating under immense pressure, remain committed to their mission of truth-telling. Their resilience is a testament to the vital role of journalism in fostering accountability and driving social change.
The international community must stand in solidarity with Eswatini’s journalists. Advocacy organizations and global press freedom groups have a critical role to play in providing protection and resources to those working under such dangerous conditions. Diplomatic pressure on the monarchy to uphold freedom of the press is also essential in ensuring that Swazis have access to the information they need to participate fully in their country’s democracy.
The fight for press freedom in Eswatini is about more than just protecting journalists—it is about safeguarding the public’s right to know. In a society where the media is free to report without fear, citizens are empowered, and democracy can flourish. The monarchy’s attempts to silence the press may seek to control the narrative, but they cannot suppress the truth indefinitely. The resilience of Eswatini’s journalists offers hope that one day, the flow of information will no longer be dictated by fear, and the voices of the people will be heard loud and clear.
