Eswatini not immune to history

Sir,

It takes society very long to recover from any violent scenes and the culture of violence stays with people for a very long time. Our leadership thinks this kingdom is immune to all that history has taught us. They have, time and again opted to go for the same old tactics of fallen regimes which have all eventually led to one sad ending; bloody conflict. They turned the police against emaSwati and used them as an instrument of oppression to stifle their constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedom.

Learn

It really boggles my mind why they choose not to learn from history. What is so special about us that makes them think universal principles of nature will not apply; that we are an exception to the general rule?

Our leaders must wake up and smell the coffee. They are dealing with a different crop of citizens, who are no longer overnight.

History will remember and judge them harshly for choosing to attack personalities yet some emaSwati died and some are suffering at the hands of the very personnel tasked with protecting them. History has taught us that there can never be enough bullets, tear gas canisters, jails, batons and casspirs to stop change.

Our leaders have an opportunity to savage the situation now and give expression to the complaints of the people, create meaningful dialogue and be open to reforms. Something definitely has to give, otherwise we will suffer the fate of many African countries. So, will our leaders decide to continue being recalcitrant or seize this opportunity to steer the country to a better tomorrow?