Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of the main opposition party in Eswatini, has been poisoned in what his party claims is an assassination attempt. While receiving treatment in a South African hospital, his condition remains critical. The Eswatini government has denied any involvement in the attack. This incident has occurred against a backdrop of increasing political tension as the country approaches scheduled protests for multi-party elections, highlighting widespread opposition to the monarchy’s governance.
Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s primary opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), has reportedly been poisoned in an assassination attempt and is currently receiving treatment in a South African hospital. Mr. Makhanya, aged 46, has been in exile in South Africa for the past two years due to safety concerns stemming from a harsh governmental crackdown on pro-democracy activism in Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Pudemo has stated that Mr. Makhanya is in a critical condition despite being stabilized, with leaders attributing the act to state-sponsored aggression as tensions rise ahead of planned protests for multi-party elections set to occur next month. The Eswatini government spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, has denied any state involvement, asserting that the government does not engage in acts of violence such as poisoning citizens. Historically, Eswatini has maintained a political environment where political parties are prohibited from participating in elections, although independent candidates can run for parliamentary seats. King Mswati III has ruled the nation since 1986 and faces significant criticism for his extravagant lifestyle and lack of tolerance for dissent. In recent months, notable events have included the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko and an arson attack on Mr. Makhanya’s home, indicative of the climate for opposition figures in Eswatini. On the morning of the alleged poisoning, Mr. Makhanya was attacked in his home in Pretoria by a purported assailant described by Pudemo as a “young boy” acting under directives from the Swazi government. The opposition party has urged for international support for Mr. Makhanya’s safety. In response to the poisoning, Wandile Dludlu, the deputy president of Pudemo, stated that an “extremely dangerous and fatal” pesticide was utilized in the attack, characterizing it as an assassination attempt on their leader. The Swaziland Solidarity Network, representing exiled Swazis, condemned the incident as a blatant act of aggression and called on the South African authorities to take action against the Swazi government agents targeting those advocating for democracy.
Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, is characterized by its absolute monarchy led by King Mswati III since 1986. In recent years, the political landscape of the nation has been rife with tension as opposition parties, like the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), are politically banned from participating in elections despite being theoretically allowed to exist. The Eswatini government has faced scrutiny for its repression of dissenters and has often used force to quell protests against the ruling monarchy, leading to international condemnation and calls for reform. The recent poisoning of opposition leader Mlungisi Makhanya has reignited concerns regarding political violence and the safety of activists in exile.
The poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya marks a significant escalation in the political violence faced by opposition figures in Eswatini. With calls for international support to ensure his safety and the continued demand for political reform through planned protests, this incident underscores the intense struggle between the Eswatini government and those advocating for democracy. It reflects broader issues of political repression that have plagued the nation, raising questions about the future of governance and civil rights in Eswatini.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
