SADC, AU should restrain King Mswati and his mercenaries

Botswana Federation of Trade Unions learned of the death of one of the heroes of the Swazi nation on Saturday 21st January 2023, Comrade Masuku Rudolf Maseko, who was assassinated at his home.

Comrade Maseko was a human rights activist who stood by his principles and firmly opposed human rights violations in his country. Similarly to other revolutionary activists, he served a prison sentence for criticizing the Swaziland judicial system and was released when the Supreme Court ruled that his case was a clear violation of his constitutionally granted freedom of association.

BFTU is concerned 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.

We are deeply saddened by Maseko’s murder and King Mswatis’ pronouncements to the effect that his mercenaries will deal with those who advocate for 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 his mercenaries before they commit more atrocities.

We also call on all workers in Botswana to join BFTU and Migrants Associations in protest of the harassment, arrest and killing of trade unions and human rights activists in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

We express heartfelt condolences to the family of Comrade Maseko, comrades in Swaziland, the family of human and trade union rights defenders in Africa and the Swati nation.

Martha Tinny Molema BFTU President