Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of Eswatini’s opposition Pudemo party, has been poisoned in South Africa in what appears to be an assassination attempt. Living in exile due to fears for his life, Makhanya’s health is currently critical but stable, as his party alleges government involvement. The incident underscores ongoing political repression in Eswatini.
Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s principal opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), has reportedly been poisoned in what is being described as an assassination attempt. Currently residing in South Africa for two years, Makhanya has fled his home country due to threats against his life amidst a crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Eswatini, known formerly as Swaziland, which is ruled as an absolute monarchy by King Mswati III since 1986. According to Pudemo, Makhanya, aged 46, is in critical condition and is receiving medical care in a Pretoria hospital. The party indicated that the poisoning occurred early Tuesday morning in his residence, allegedly carried out by a young individual claimed to be an agent of the Eswatini government. Makhanya reportedly informed law enforcement and medical personnel of the poisoning and also stated that he had been robbed of his mobile phones. Pudemo officials asserted that the use of “extremely dangerous and fatal” pesticide indicates a serious attempt on Makhanya’s life. Wandile Dludlu, Pudemo’s deputy president, characterized the incident as an assassination attempt and expressed optimism that Makhanya survived the initial critical moments following exposure to the poison. Despite Pudemo’s accusations, Eswatini’s spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, refuted any allegations of state involvement, claiming that the government adheres to strict ethical codes and only apprehends suspects alive. This incident closely follows increased tensions in Eswatini, with planned protests next month advocating for multi-party elections in a nation where political parties are officially banned from participation.
The political landscape of Eswatini is characterized by a long-standing autocratic monarchy, which limits the participation of political parties in the democratic process. Mlungisi Makhanya has become a notable figure representing the pro-democracy movement in the country. His recent poisoning incident not only signals the severe risks faced by opposition figures in Eswatini but also highlights broader issues relating to human rights and political repression within the kingdom. Following a violent crackdown on demonstrations against the monarchy, many activists have fled to neighboring South Africa, where they continue to advocate for democratic reforms. The escalating tensions in Eswatini have drawn international attention, particularly concerning the safety of dissidents and the systemic violence employed by the authorities against protesters.
In summary, Mlungisi Makhanya’s poisoning marks a grave attempt to silence opposition within Eswatini amid a climate of fear surrounding pro-democracy activism. As Makhanya receives medical treatment in South Africa, Pudemo is calling for international support for his safety. The ongoing challenges to democracy and human rights in Eswatini necessitate urgent attention and action from global observers and human rights organizations.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
