Eswatini crisis attracts US senate attention
Calls on UNHCR to conduct an independent investigation into Maseko killings Encourages SADC to address political, human rights crisis in eSwatini
The United States Senate provided a signi cant boost to the Peoples United Democratic Movement ( PUDEMO) of eSwatini last week by passing a resolution, urging King Mswati to cease atrocities, or else face target sanctions along with his close allies.
In its 118 sessions, the US senate last week resolved that eSwatini must uphold internationally recognised human rights, including the rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, as well as corresponding rights in the eSwatini constitution amongst others.
In an interview with the Botswana Guardian, the National Organising Secretary of PUDEMO, Siboniso Mkhabela said they welcome the resolutions as they have long lobbied and called for targeted sanctions on Mswati and his friends.
“It is our hope and prayer that King Mswati shall heed to the call. As PUDEMO, we are really concerned that the country such as the US has responded. We have tabled many papers, SADC has come to Swaziland and they know our story, but there is no action taken against the King,” he said, adding that they urged SADC to act swi ly and force King Mswati to act because they have the capacity to order him to do whatever the Swati people want. e Senate also condemns the brutal murder of Former PUDEMO Secretary General, ulani Maseko and the worsening cycle of political violence and instability in eSwatini and expresses deep concern about reports of continued human rights violations against the people of eSwatini, as well as the harassment of advocates for human rights and democratic practice and constitutionalism in eSwatini. e Senators called on the Government of the Kingdom of eSwatini to undertake a full, transparent, and impartial criminal investigation into the assassination of Maseko and hold perpetrators accountable and cease surveilling and intimidating human rights activists ghting to protect fundamental freedoms.
Further, that they should engage in good faith in a credible, inclusive national dialogue to address long standing demands for democratic reforms; and fully empower sta of Commission of Human Rights and Public Accountability ( CHRPA), human rights investigation sta , install an appointed Commissioner, make CHRPA fully independent from the Ministry of Justice and other government interference in line with commitments to treaty conventions and the Paris Principle, and take action to address CHRPA’s recommendations. e Senators further called on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation into former PUDEMO Secretary General, Maseko’s assassination and human rights violations in eSwatini. ey call on the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to maintain and expand support for journalists, human rights advocates, and the rule of law and media freedoms in eSwatini; and encourage SADC to take action to address the political and human rights crisis in the monarchy, including by working to convene a credible consultative forum inclusive of diverse political views and civil society to address issues related to political space and democratic reform. They further encouraged the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to consider targeted sanctions against any individuals and entities committing violations of internationally- recognised human rights in eSwatini.
Condemning the human rights record of eSwatini and the brutal killing of Maseko on January 21, 2023, the Senators stated that eSwatini is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies and is ruled by King Mswati III, who has been in power for more than 36 years. He exercises ultimate authority over all branches of the national government and e ectively controls local and national governance through his in uence over traditional chiefs and the selection of House of Assembly candidates and control over the national electoral system. ey say human rights and democracy advocates in eSwatini have faced repression and persecution, including arbitrary arrests, detention, and torture as well as restrictions on political gatherings and their civil liberties, including with respect to expression, assembly, and freedom of the press.
Further, that Swati government has used laws such as the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008, and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938, to suppress free speech and sti e criticism of the monarch, whereas from June to October 2021, the country witnessed nationwide demonstrations against security sector abuses, with protests evolving into demands for democratic reforms. Furthermore, that King Mswati III’s government employed excessive force and arbitrary arrests and detention, as well as internet shutdowns, to repress pro- democracy protests and related advocacy activities, restricting the activities of human rights advocates. In addition, that security forces in eSwatini responded with violence against protestors, reportedly killing more than 46 people, injuring more than 245 and detaining hundreds of others. e international community suggests the true death toll is higher. Government also detained two members of parliament on spurious charges for more than 18 months under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, and charged them with terrorism and murder for allegedly encouraging pro- democracy protests and calling for a democratically elected prime minister and other reforms.
On the other hand, regional human rights organisations continue to receive reports of lawyers and judges being harassed, threatened, and intimidated for their alleged support of the ongoing pro- democracy movement. Following a visit to eSwatini by SADC delegates in November 2021, King Mswati III agreed to provide for a national dialogue to address the civil unrest structured in the format of a Sibaya, a royally- convened and - controlled traditional civic consultative forum, but since then has ignored widespread demands of the pleas of citizens, op
nd position politicians, civil society, and the regional and international community for a genuine consultative forum inclusive of diverse political views, while continuing the government’s crackdown on dissenting voices.
In October 2021, United Nations Secretary- General, Antonio Guterres called on the eSwatini authorities to ensure that the people of eSwatini are able to exercise their civil and political rights peacefully. Reports indicate that eSwatini has contracted with international security companies to train government security forces to respond to violence in the country, resulting in increased intimidation against dissenting voices.
Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer, Chairman of the Multi- Stakeholder Forum, an organisation comprised of various civil society groups calling for constitutional reforms in eSwatini, and a champion of social justice, routinely criticised King Mswati III for undermining judicial independence and called for a more democratic legal system in eSwatini.