Mlungisi Makhanya, the main opposition leader in Eswatini, has reportedly been poisoned in an assassination attempt while living in exile in South Africa. His condition is critical but stabilized, according to his party, Pudemo. The Eswatini government denies involvement. This incident comes before planned protests advocating for multi-party elections in the monarchy, which has a history of violent crackdowns on dissenters. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions and the risks faced by pro-democracy activists in Eswatini.
Eswatini’s primary opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, has reportedly been poisoned in what is being described as an assassination attempt. The People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), which Makhanya leads, has indicated that he is currently receiving medical treatment in a South African hospital. Makhanya, aged 46, has been in exile in South Africa for the past two years due to concerns for his safety, stemming from a harsh governmental crackdown against pro-democracy advocates in Eswatini, a country that remains Africa’s last absolute monarchy. According to Pudemo, Makhanya’s condition remains critical despite having stabilized, and the incident occurs in the wake of preplanned protests advocating for multi-party elections scheduled for the upcoming month. In response to the allegations of state involvement, Eswatini spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo has refuted any government participation, asserting, “the government does not kill or poison suspects.” Under King Mswati III’s reign, which began in 1986, Eswatini has faced substantial criticism concerning human rights violations and the suppression of dissent. In a tragic incident last year, human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko, known for his opposition to the monarchy, was murdered in his residence, prompting international outcry. Prior to the poisoning, Makhanya’s residence in Eswatini was attacked in a fire bomb incident, further illustrating the perilous environment for dissenting voices. The incident in Pretoria has been reported to involve an individual described as an unnamed “young boy,” allegedly manipulated as an “agent of evil intent by the Swazi government.” Following the poisoning, Makhanya was swiftly transported to a hospital accompanied by South African police. Deputy President of Pudemo, Wandile Dludlu, described the poison used in the incident as an “extremely dangerous and fatal” substance, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite the government’s denial, Pudemo has called for international support to secure Makhanya’s safety and that of his family while he receives medical care. Condemnation of the attack has also emerged from the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), a group advocating for the rights of Swazis in South Africa, which labeled the assault a “clear assassination attempt.” Amid historical tensions, opposition parties have accused the Eswatini security forces of being responsible for numerous fatalities among protesters, attributing the nation’s lack of development to the current political regime. Notably, a surge of protests in 2021 demanding political reform resulted in the deaths of at least 46 individuals during violent confrontations, a figure contested by the government, which claims its response was to violent provocations. Dludlu firmly stated, “This is a political fight between the oppressed masses and the traditional autocratic monarch,” reiterating Pudemo’s resolve to continue with the scheduled protests regardless of the grim developments.
The political landscape of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is characterized by the absolute monarchy held by King Mswati III since 1986. The governance style has prompted significant discontent among the populace, culminating in violent protests and calls for democratic reforms, particularly from opposition parties such as the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo). The country does allow independent candidates to stand for parliament but restricts political parties from participating in elections, rendering organizations like Pudemo effectively marginalized. Historical incidents of violence against political dissidents have heightened fears surrounding state-sanctioned actions against those advocating for change, reinforcing the urgency for international scrutiny of the situation.
The poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya underscores the perilous environment faced by opposition leaders in Eswatini as they strive for democratic reforms in a nation governed by an absolute monarchy. The allegations of an assassination attempt highlight ongoing tensions and the potential for violent reprisals against dissenting voices. As Pudemo prepares for upcoming protests, the call for international support emphasizes the critical need for protection for activists advocating for political change in Eswatini. The incident not only illustrates the dangers inherent in political opposition but also raises questions about the safety of exiled activists who continue to fight for reform.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
