King Mswati’s Monarchy of Anarchy

SADC challenged to take action against eSwatini

A staunch believer in the rule of law and constitutionalism, Maseko used his professional legal skills to advocate for democratic reforms and peaceful transition

Southern African Development Community ( SADC) has been challenged to take action against eSwatini following the assassination of renowned human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko.

Maseko was found murdered at his home in Luhleko, Mbabane on the evening of January 21, 2023. Various stakeholders have condemned the murder of Maseko and demanded that the regional bloc acts against such atrocious acts.

Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network has expressed its pain and outrage over the murder which is said to have occurred in the presence of his wife and children. At the time of his death Maseko was a senior member of Lawyers for Human Rights Swaziland.

“A staunch believer in the rule of law and constitutionalism, Maseko used his professional legal skills to advocate for democratic reforms and peaceful transition. It is deeply saddening that his work and selfless dedication has been repaid in such a ruthless and callous act,” Professor Andriano Nuvunga, Vice Chairperson of Southern Defenders, said. Nuvunga said they are gravely concerned that the killing of Maseko signifies an increasingly dangerous deterioration of the political crisis in eSwatini. He said it is terrifying to observe the Monarchy clamp down on the people it is meant to serve and protect. He said as a member of SADC and signatory to its treaty, eSwatini is bound to uphold Article 4 of the treaty which explicitly states that the principles guiding the acts of its members are human rights, democracy and the rule of law. He revealed that SADC cannot stand by and watch because the state of affairs in eSwatini is a clear reflection of the failure of the country’s leadership to defend and maintain peace, security and transparency for its citizens. While the government of eSwatini issued a statement condemning the murder of Maseko and its intention to investigate, Southern Defenders assert that, given the political environment, only an independent investigation can ensure that those responsible for the assassination of Maseko and many others brutally injured and killed, are brought to justice and their families rightfully compensated. “We therefore call on SADC, the African Union, and the international community to hold the leadership of King Mswati III accountable for the violence that continues to be meted against the people of eSwatini, merely for advocating for their recognised fundamental human rights, including political participation,” Nuvunga cried.

Botswana Federation of Trade Unions ( BFT) expressed its concern about the state of affairs in eSwatini. The harassment, repression, arrest and brutal killing of unionists, human rights activists and all those who advocate for democracy in the country must not be condoned, BFTU President Martha Molema said. She said they are saddened by Maseko’s murder and King Mswati’s pronouncements to the effect that his mercenaries will deal with those who advocate democracy in the country.

“We are also aware that other comrades such as Sticks Nkambule of the Swaziland Transport and Communications Workers Union are hunted down by the same mercenaries camouflaging as the police. BFTU appeals to SADC leaders, member states of the African Union, other international leaders and organisations to restrain King Mswati and mercenaries before they commit more atrocities,” Molema appealed.

Botswana National Front ( BNF) has called on SADC and AU to rise to the occasion and impose sanctions on the monarchy. The BNF added that SADC citizens must unite and offer solidarity in the region. BNF Information and Publicity Secretary Justin Hunyepa said the people of eSwatini must step up their campaign against the regime. He pointed out that the regime continues to terrorise its citizens through extrajudicial killings for calling for constitutional democracy. According to Hunyepa, SADC and AU remained silent in 2021 when the army opened fire on demonstrators killing about 100 people. The BNF spokesperson added that SADC has been an embarrassment to the region and the world by failing to promote democracy among the member states and instead tolerating anarchy.