Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), was allegedly poisoned in South Africa in what is perceived as an assassination attempt, as he planned new pro-democracy protests in Eswatini. The government denied involvement. King Mswati III’s absolute rule has faced criticism for suppressing dissent and has been marked by violence against activists, particularly following pro-democracy protests in 2021.
On Tuesday, Mlungisi Makhanya, the president of Eswatini’s primary opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), was reportedly poisoned in an incident that has been described as an assassination attempt. This alarming development has drawn attention back to Eswatini, one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in southern Africa, where the government has a history of suppressing pro-democracy movements. Makhanya was hospitalized in South Africa, where he was under security protection; however, further details regarding his condition or the circumstances surrounding the poisoning have not been disclosed. Notably, Makhanya had recently announced plans for new pro-democracy protests in Eswatini next month. In response to the allegations, Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo firmly denied any involvement from the government. King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini since 1986, maintaining a grip over all branches of government in a nation of approximately 1.2 million residents. His reign has faced substantial criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that dissent is not tolerated and highlight incidents of brutal crackdowns on pro-democracy activists. The year 2021 witnessed significant pro-democracy protests, representing the most serious challenge to Mswati’s authority thus far. These protests led to a violent backlash, resulting in the deaths of at least 46 individuals at the hands of security forces, as documented by Human Rights Watch. The political environment remains perilous, especially in light of the killing of human rights lawyer and Pudemo member Thulani Maseko last year, an act that Makhanya labeled a political assassination. Despite government denials, there have been no arrests connected to the incident. Following Makhanya’s alleged poisoning, political entities in South Africa, such as the Economic Freedom Fighters, have voiced their concerns, suggesting that the incapacitation of Makhanya occurred just as he was preparing to lead upcoming pro-democracy activities, attributing the incident to the oppressive regime of King Mswati. Political parties were banned in Eswatini during the 1970s, and although some parties can function today, the king retains the ultimate authority, appointing the prime minister and controlling legislative bodies. Critics have pointed to the king’s opulent lifestyle, which is starkly contrasted with the widespread poverty faced by the populace.
The political landscape in Eswatini is characterized by the absolute monarchy of King Mswati III, who has ruled since 1986. His reign is marked by a lack of political freedoms, especially since political parties were prohibited in the 1970s. This political climate has led to a history of civil unrest, as demonstrated by the pro-democracy protests in 2021, which were met with severe governmental repression, resulting in numerous fatalities. Human rights organizations have expressed concerns over the treatment of dissenters and have documented instances of violence against activists. The country has witnessed numerous political assassinations, further complicating the atmosphere for anyone advocating for democratic reforms. The recent allegations of poisoning against Mlungisi Makhanya highlight the ongoing peril faced by those opposing the king’s regime.
The reported poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya underscores the dangerous environment faced by political opposition in Eswatini, where dissent is systematically quashed. This incident may catalyze further scrutiny of the king’s regime and its treatment of activists. The historical context of pro-democracy protests and the oppressive political landscape amplify the significance of this situation, drawing attention from both local and South African political entities vehemently opposing King Mswati’s rule. As Makhanya’s health and the allegations surrounding his poisoning remain uncertain, the future of pro-democracy movements in Eswatini hangs in the balance.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
