Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of Eswatini’s opposition party, is critically ill after an alleged poisoning attempt, which his supporters claim was politically motivated. The Eswatini government has denied involvement, asserting the claim is unfounded. This incident follows a history of violence against dissent in the monarchy, including the recent assassination of another opposition figure.
The leader of Eswatini’s principal opposition party, Mlungisi Makhanya, remains in critical but stable condition following an alleged poisoning incident that his supporters have described as an assassination attempt. Makhanya, currently residing in exile in South Africa, was taken to the hospital after the incident which occurred at his home in Pretoria on Tuesday. Penuel Malinga, Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), accused the Eswatini state of orchestrating the attack. In response to these allegations, Alpheous Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the Eswatini government, denied any involvement, asserting, “It is not in our policy as the government to either kill or poison people who hold a different political view in our country.” He further indicated that there is no evidence supporting the claims against the government, emphasizing that Makhanya was not sought by authorities in Eswatini. Eswatini has been ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, and he has faced significant criticism for his extravagant lifestyle amidst widespread poverty. Makhanya was reportedly served contaminated food and subsequently confined in his bedroom by an unidentified cook. Assistance arrived only after others broke down the door to help him. Malinga conveyed that the police are currently investigating the incident and that medical professionals estimate Makhanya will take approximately two weeks to attain full recovery, although he is presently unable to speak. This incident arises in a backdrop of previous violence and unrest in Eswatini. Last year, Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer and Pudemo member, was assassinated at his home, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for accountability. The government’s investigation into Maseko’s murder has yet to result in justice. Shortly before his death, King Mswati III insinuated that activists were responsible for initiating violence, stating, “People should not shed tears and complain about mercenaries killing them.” Pro-democracy protests in 2021 led to a crackdown by security forces, which resulted in the deaths of at least 46 individuals according to Human Rights Watch. The combination of these events illustrates the perilous atmosphere facing opposition figures in Eswatini and raises questions regarding state accountability in the face of political dissent.
Eswatini, also known as Swaziland, is a small landlocked nation in Southern Africa, characterized by its absolute monarchy under King Mswati III. The king has faced criticism for his governance, particularly regarding human rights violations and suppression of political opposition. Political parties are prohibited from participating in elections, effectively limiting the democratic process. This political landscape has led to significant unrest, particularly highlighted by the pro-democracy protests in 2021, wherein many demonstrators were killed by security forces. The allegation of Mlungisi Makhanya’s poisoning marks a continuation of the fraught relationship between the ruling government and opposition entities in the country.
The critical condition of Mlungisi Makhanya following an alleged poisoning incident underscores the ongoing tension and violence that opposition leaders in Eswatini face under the current regime. With assertions of state involvement escalating and the government denying any wrongdoing, this situation calls into question the safety of political dissenters in the nation. Furthermore, the historical context of violence against activists, particularly highlighted by the murder of Thulani Maseko, illustrates a pattern of repression that could hinder the pursuit of justice and democracy in Eswatini.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
