The leader of Eswatini’s primary opposition party, Pudemo, Mlungisi Makhanya, has allegedly been poisoned in an assassination attempt while in South Africa. The incident coincides with planned pro-democracy protests, prompting concerns over political safety in the absolute monarchy of Eswatini. The government has denied involvement, amidst a backdrop of previous violent crackdowns on dissent.
The People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), Eswatini’s primary opposition party, has alleged that its leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, was the target of an assassination attempt involving poisoning in South Africa. The party reported that Mr. Makhanya was subsequently hospitalized, although they did not provide details regarding his condition or the circumstances surrounding the alleged poisoning incident. This alarming development coincides with Mr. Makhanya’s announcements regarding upcoming pro-democracy protests planned for next month. The Eswatini government spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, has dismissed any allegations of involvement in the incident. Eswatini, ruled by King Mswati III, is one of the last absolute monarchies. The king, who has held power since 1986, exerts control over all branches of government and has been met with persistent criticism from human rights organizations regarding his administration’s repressive measures against dissent. The political landscape in Eswatini has been fraught with tension, particularly following the pro-democracy protests of 2021 that marked a significant challenge to the monarchy. Security forces reportedly killed at least 46 individuals during the subsequent crackdown on demonstrations according to Human Rights Watch. In a tragic incident that has raised further questions about political safety, Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer and member of Pudemo, was killed in his home last year, an event Mr. Makhanya characterized as a political assassination. The Eswatini government consistently denies involvement, and to date, no accountability has been established for these acts of violence. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Makhanya’s alleged poisoning have triggered significant reactions among South African political entities. The Economic Freedom Fighters party specifically noted his incapacitation at his residence in South Africa, framing the incident as an attack orchestrated by the oppressive regime of King Mswati III. Political parties have faced restrictions in Eswatini since the 1970s, with existing laws prohibiting their operations despite some allowances in practice. The king retains the authority to appoint the prime minister, select the majority of the upper house members, and some members of the lower house, ensuring that virtually all public representatives express fealty to the monarchy. Meanwhile, King Mswati III’s lavish lifestyle, in stark contrast to the prevailing poverty among citizens, has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is located in southern Africa and is characterized by its absolute monarchy under King Mswati III. The king has ruled since 1986 and commands authority over the nation’s governance, including the appointment of ministers and legislators. Human rights organizations have frequently condemned the lack of political freedoms in the country, where pro-democracy movements are met with severe repression. The political environment was notably strained following the pro-democracy protests in 2021, which resulted in a violent state response. The opposition leaders, including those of Pudemo, have faced threats and violence, further complicating the push for democratic reforms in Eswatini.
The allegations of poisoning against Mlungisi Makhanya signal a worrying trend of violence against political dissent in Eswatini, underscoring the challenges faced by opposition parties within a repressive regime. The historical context of political repression, the government’s consistent denials of involvement in violence, and the recent incident raise critical questions about safety for political activists in the country. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Eswatini, as well as the urgent need for international scrutiny and potential intervention.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
