THE TARGETING OF PRO-DEMOCRACY LEADERS IN ESWATINI

By February 2023, Eswatini’s students had become a focal point in the pro-democracy movement, using their voices to demand not only political reform but also access to quality education. This dual fight for education and democracy has made student activists a primary target for the regime, which has intensified its crackdown on youth-led resistance. The harassment, arrests, and violence directed at students highlight the monarchy’s fear of a generation unwilling to accept the status quo.

Students in Eswatini face systemic challenges within the education system. Chronic underfunding has led to shortages of teachers, outdated materials, and inadequate infrastructure. Many students attend overcrowded schools where basic amenities are unavailable. Despite their determination to succeed, they are often denied the resources necessary to build a better future. These conditions have fueled widespread frustration, pushing students to demand accountability and investment in education.

The connection between education and democracy is clear. Students understand that their fight for better schools is inseparable from the broader struggle for justice and equality in Eswatini. They recognize that the monarchy’s mismanagement of resources, coupled with its focus on self-enrichment, is directly responsible for the poor state of the education system. This awareness has driven students to organize protests, deliver petitions, and join the pro-democracy movement.

The government’s response has been predictably harsh. Security forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse student protests. Leaders of student unions and activists have been arbitrarily detained, subjected to intimidation, and, in some cases, tortured while in custody. The targeting of student leaders is a deliberate strategy to undermine the movement by instilling fear among young people.

The crackdown on student activism is not limited to physical repression. The government has also sought to disrupt organizing efforts by monitoring online activity and infiltrating student groups. Social media, which students have used effectively to share information and mobilize support, has become a key battleground. Activists report being surveilled and harassed online, with state actors using digital tools to suppress dissent.

Despite these challenges, students in Eswatini have shown remarkable resilience. Their determination to fight for their rights and their future is unwavering. They continue to organize, often finding creative ways to circumvent the state’s restrictions. From holding clandestine meetings to leveraging international support, students are finding ways to keep their movement alive.

The international community has expressed concern about the repression of student activists in Eswatini, but more tangible support is needed. Advocacy organizations and foreign governments must prioritize the protection of young activists and call for an end to the violence directed at them. Providing resources for education and supporting initiatives that empower students can help strengthen their efforts to build a better future.

The fight for education in Eswatini is about more than just schools—it is about the right to opportunity, dignity, and a voice in shaping the nation’s future. Students are leading this fight with courage and conviction, refusing to let fear silence their demands. Their struggle is a reminder that the pro-democracy movement in Eswatini is not confined to a single issue but encompasses every aspect of life under the monarchy’s rule.

The resilience of Eswatini’s students offers hope for the future. They are not only fighting for themselves but for generations to come, ensuring that the dream of a just and democratic Eswatini remains alive. The crackdown on student activism may seek to suppress their voices, but it cannot extinguish their spirit. Their determination is a powerful force, and their fight for education and democracy is an inspiration to all who seek change. The future of Eswatini belongs to its youth, and their voices will not be silenced.