Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s main opposition party, Pudemo, was poisoned in an apparent assassination attempt while in exile in South Africa. He is currently in critical condition in a Pretoria hospital. The Eswatini government denied involvement, amid growing tensions leading to planned protests advocating multi-party elections next month. Makhanya’s case underscores the oppressive political environment in Eswatini, with increasing calls for human rights and democratic reforms.
Mlungisi Makhanya, the principal opposition leader of Eswatini, has been reportedly poisoned in an assassination attempt. His party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), stated that Makhanya, who has resided in exile in South Africa for the past two years due to fears for his safety, is currently hospitalized and in critical condition following this incident. His status was described as “stabilised, but still critical.” The Eswatini government, through spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo, denied any involvement in the poisoning, asserting, “the government does not kill or poison suspects.” This incident emerges amidst heightened tensions, as Pudemo plans protests next month advocating for multi-party elections, an option currently unavailable under the country’s political system. King Mswati III has ruled since 1986 and maintains stringent control over the nation’s political landscape. Accusations against the monarchy include suppressing dissent and facilitating violent actions against activists; such concerns were underscored by last year’s assassination of Thulani Rudolf Maseko, a human rights lawyer, in Mbabane. Makhanya was allegedly poisoned early Tuesday at his residence in Pretoria by an unnamed individual described merely as a “young boy,” purportedly acting as an agent for the Swazi government. Following the poisoning, he was quickly transported to a hospital in Pretoria under police escort and subsequently placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Following recovery efforts, Makhanya purportedly informed authorities that he had been poisoned and robbed of his mobile phones. Wandile Dludlu, Pudemo’s deputy president, provided further details, indicating that an “extremely dangerous and fatal” pesticide was employed in the alleged assassination attempt, stating, “It is encouraging that the president has survived a day. It was an assassination attempt on the life of our leader.” The Pudemo party has sought international support to ensure Makhanya’s safety during his recovery. The Swaziland Solidarity Network condemned the attack as a “bold” and apparent assassination attempt, urging the South African government to take measures against Swazi agents targeting activists outside the nation. Opposition voices have raised allegations of state-sanctioned violence against protesters, linking lack of progress in national development directly to the autocratic governance style. In 2021, protests initiated over police violence escalated into calls for governmental reforms, resulting in reported casualties. This political struggle embodies the conflict between the oppressed populace and the longstanding monarchy, as reiterated by Dludlu, who emphasized that Pudemo remains resolved to proceed with its planned protests in light of the recent events.
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is one of the last absolute monarchies in Africa, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. The country has a history of suppressing political dissent, and political parties are forbidden from participating in elections, although independent candidates may run for office. The atmosphere of fear and repression has led to several high-profile incidents of violence against activists and dissenters, including the assassination of Thulani Rudolf Maseko in 2023. Political activism has intensified with calls for democratic reforms and accountability from a regime accused of extravagant living amidst widespread poverty. Recent actions by the Eswatini government have triggered international condemnation and prompted calls for support from human rights groups and opposition parties, emphasizing the necessity of addressing human rights violations in the kingdom.
In conclusion, the alleged poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Eswatini and the dangers faced by pro-democracy advocates under the current autocratic regime. As the Pudemo party rallies support for Makhanya’s protection and pharmaceuticals in the face of state denial of any culpability, the international community’s response to these events will be pivotal in shaping the future of governance and human rights in Eswatini. The upcoming protests are poised to become a crucial platform for advocating change amidst a perilous political landscape.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
