Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of Eswatini’s opposition party Pudemo, has been poisoned in a suspected assassination attempt while in exile in South Africa. Currently hospitalized and in critical condition, this incident comes ahead of planned protests for multi-party elections in Eswatini. The government has denied involvement, while opposition and human rights groups condemn the attack. The political environment in Eswatini remains perilous for activists under King Mswati III’s rule.
Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s main opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), has reportedly been poisoned in South Africa, indicative of a potential assassination attempt as per his party’s statements. Makhanya, aged 46, has been in exile in South Africa for the past two years due to threats to his life linked to a harsh crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy. The Pudemo party confirmed that Makhanya is receiving medical treatment in a hospital and has stabilized, although he remains in critical condition. Alpheous Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the Eswatini government, denied any state involvement in the poisoning, asserting that the government maintains a strict ethical code regarding law enforcement. Makhanya’s reported poisoning comes in a context of escalating tensions, with protests planned next month aimed at advocating for multi-party elections. Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini has been ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. The nation has faced criticism for its lack of political plurality, as independent candidates can stand but political parties are not permitted to engage in elections. Recently, the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko underscored the risks faced by political figures in Eswatini. Makhanya was allegedly poisoned by an unknown assailant in his residence in Pretoria. He was swiftly transported to a medical facility but later had to be moved to an Intensive Care Unit. Reports indicate he informed authorities that he had been poisoned and robbed, with the Pudemo deputy president claiming a “highly dangerous and fatal” pesticide was used in the attack. While Pudemo has characterized the event as an assassination attempt, Nxumalo has reiterated the government’s position of not causing harm to suspects. International appeals for protection have arisen, as the Pudemo party warns of growing threats to exiled activists advocating for democratic reforms in Eswatini. The efforts to challenge the current regime continue, as the party plans to forge ahead with scheduled protests despite the intensifying crackdown on dissent.
Eswatini, an absolute monarchy, has faced significant political unrest in recent years, particularly following intensified pro-democracy movements that began around 2021. The country has been marked by a lack of political freedoms, where opposition parties exist technically but are barred from meaningful participation in elections. Mlungisi Makhanya, as a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement, embodies the struggle for reform in a nation where dissent is met with violent repression. The political climate has been further complicated by multiple incidents of violence against activists, including the assassination of lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko. Makhanya’s current health crisis underscores the escalating dangers faced by those opposing the monarchical regime of King Mswati III, who has ruled for over three decades and has been frequently criticized for his extravagant lifestyle and suppression of dissent.
The poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya represents a grave escalation in the ongoing political crisis in Eswatini, highlighting the significant risks faced by opposition leaders in the region. As the Pudemo party continues to advocate for democratic reforms amidst growing violence and potential state-sponsored repression, international attention and support become crucial for ensuring the safety of Makhanya and other activists. This situation not only reflects the internal challenges within Eswatini but also calls for urgent global advocacy for political freedoms and human rights in the face of autocratic rule.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
