Eswatini’s primary opposition leader, President Mlungisi Makhanya, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, according to his party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). This revelation casts a stark light on the political climate in Eswatini, one of the last remaining absolute monarchies, where the government has consistently moved to suppress pro-democracy protests.
PUDEMO alleged that Makhanya was poisoned by an unidentified “young boy” acting on behalf of the Eswatini government while in his Pretoria residence. They claim the poisoning is part of a sustained effort to quash opposition to King Mswati III’s regime. The government of Eswatini, through spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo, has denied any involvement, refuting claims that it engages in such activities.
Despite the incident, PUDEMO has pledged to persist in its quest for democratic reforms. They are calling for an independent investigation into the attempted assassination of Makhanya and plan to organize further protests. This attack is part of a worrying pattern in Eswatini, where political dissidents have faced escalating violence. Notably, human rights lawyer and activist Thulani Maseko was murdered in his home last year, yet no substantial investigation has followed.
PUDEMO remains a banned party from participating in elections, although it is legally allowed to exist. Political party activity is still heavily restricted, with regulations dating back to the 1970s. King Mswati III wields considerable authority over the government’s branches, appointing the prime minister, selecting most upper house members, and maintaining veto power over legislation.
Human rights organizations have routinely criticized King Mswati III’s administration for stifling opposition and using security forces to suppress pro-democracy activists. The poisoning of Makhanya underscores the ongoing tensions and the fraught struggle for democratic freedoms in Eswatini.
For further details, please visit the source article on Jurist.