Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of eSwatini’s opposition party Pudemo, was hospitalized after an alleged poisoning incident in Pretoria, South Africa. Currently receiving medical care and protection, this incident occurs as tensions rise ahead of October protests for multi-party elections amid the long-standing rule of King Mswati III.
The People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), the principal opposition party in eSwatini, has reported that its leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, was the target of an alleged poisoning incident in Pretoria, South Africa. On September 24, at approximately 3 a.m., Mr. Makhanya, aged 46, required hospital treatment under conditions suggesting foul play. He was swiftly attended to by medical personnel and escorted to a medical facility with the assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS). In an official communique, Pudemo assured the public that Mr. Makhanya is receiving exemplary medical care and is under heightened security to safeguard his wellbeing. The party expressed its dedication to keeping Mr. Makhanya’s family informed and stated, “We are committed to keeping the public informed about any developments throughout the day. We urge all supporters and the public to keep President Makhanya in your thoughts and prayers as we wish him a swift recovery.” Currently living in exile in South Africa for the past two years due to fears for his safety following violent crackdowns on pro-democracy activists in eSwatini, Mr. Makhanya’s situation has intensified concerns regarding the political climate in his home country. The assassination attempt is alleged to be a prelude to protests scheduled for October, which call for the establishment of multi-party elections, particularly against the backdrop of King Mswati III’s long-standing rule since 1986. The monarch’s governance style, characterized by decrees and accusations of opulence, has drawn international scrutiny and accusations of opposition suppression.
Mlungisi Makhanya, the president of Pudemo, has been living in exile due to violence against pro-democracy advocates in eSwatini. His reported poisoning incident raises alarms about the lengths to which opposition figures may be subjected amid ongoing tensions over demands for democratic reforms in the monarchy. With King Mswati III in power for over three decades, there have been increasing calls for multi-party political systems, emphasizing the need for political transformation in eSwatini.
In conclusion, the alleged poisoning of Mr. Makhanya highlights the perilous conditions faced by opposition leaders in eSwatini and underscores the urgent need for political reform in the kingdom. The forthcoming protests advocating for multi-party elections add further urgency to the situation, amidst rising fears for the safety of those advocating for change.
Original Source: www.iol.co.za
