The leader of Eswatini’s main opposition party, Mlungisi Makhanya, has allegedly been poisoned in South Africa in what his party claims is an assassination attempt linked to the oppressive monarchy led by King Mswati III. Makhanya’s condition remains undisclosed, but this incident raises concerns amidst a history of violence against political dissenters in Eswatini, including recent deadly protests and the assassination of a colleague. Political parties have been banned in the country since the 1970s, yet movements for democracy continue to gain traction.
The main opposition party of Eswatini, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), has raised allegations concerning an assassination attempt on its leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, who purportedly suffered from poisoning while in South Africa. Makhanya’s hospitalization occurred on Tuesday, and although he was under security protection, details surrounding his condition and the specifics of the incident remain undisclosed. His recent calls for renewed pro-democracy protests in Eswatini next month intensify the scrutiny on the political climate in the country. Eswatini’s government spokesperson, Alpheous Nxumalo, categorically denied any involvement in the alleged poisoning incident. Mswati III, who has ruled Eswatini since 1986, holds absolute power over all governmental branches. Critics, including human rights organizations, accuse him of stifling dissent and employing violent measures against pro-democracy movements. Recent history illustrates the precarious situation within the nation, which faced significant protests in 2021—a pivotal moment in opposition to Mswati’s rule, resulting in the deaths of at least 46 individuals at the hands of security forces, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The political climate has been further tainted by violence; last year, prominent human rights lawyer and Pudemo member Thulani Maseko was fatally shot in his home—a murder Makhanya condemned as politically motivated. To date, no accountability has been established for these acts of violence. Following Makhanya’s alleged poisoning, responses emerged from South African political factions, notably the Economic Freedom Fighters party, which stated that Makhanya was discovered in a compromised state at his residence in South Africa as he was anticipating leading upcoming protests. They attributed the incident to the “oppressive Mswati regime.” Political organizations have faced a longstanding prohibition in Eswatini since the 1970s, a ban that remains enforced despite some current operational allowances. The king possesses the authority to appoint the prime minister and select members for both legislative houses, ensuring that nearly all public officials are aligned with his interests. Furthermore, Mswati III’s opulent lifestyle draws stark contrast to the widespread poverty affecting his citizens, raising ethical concerns about governance priorities in the nation.
The political framework of Eswatini, one of the world’s last absolute monarchies, showcases King Mswati III’s consolidation of power since ascending to the throne in 1986. Despite permitting limited political activity in recent years, the monarchy retains substantial control over governmental functions and suppresses dissent, particularly movements advocating for democracy. Human rights organizations have documented the government’s violent response to opposition, reflecting a pervasive climate of fear and repression. The history of political violence has established a troubling context for recent events, including the assassination of political figures and the alleged poisoning of Makhanya, indicating a continuation of state-sponsored attempts to silence opposition. Public discontent is exacerbated by high levels of poverty existing alongside the king’s extravagant lifestyle, leading to growing calls for reform from various sectors of society. The call for renewed protests by Makhanya signifies escalating tensions between the monarchy and those advocating for democratic governance, underscoring a critical juncture in Eswatini’s political history.
The allegations against Mlungisi Makhanya, president of Pudemo, concerning attempted poisoning in South Africa have illuminated the volatile political atmosphere in Eswatini, where dissent is met with harsh reprisals. Historical patterns of governmental violence, particularly against pro-democracy advocates, complicate the narrative of political engagement in the country. Makhanya’s recent advocacy for protests suggests a fraught struggle for democratic reform in a nation characterized by monarchy and repression. The continuing international scrutiny and responses from regional political parties may significantly influence the unfolding political landscape in Eswatini.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
