Eswatini Opposition Leader Mlungisi Makhanya Poisoned in South Africa
Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of Eswatini’s opposition Pudemo, is recovering from a poisoning attempt in South Africa. The incident, linked to a crackdown on pro-democracy activists, comes ahead of planned protests for multi-party elections. Government denies involvement in the attack, although there is increasing international concern regarding the treatment of dissidents in Eswatini.
Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s major opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), is reported to be in critical condition following an assassination attempt involving poisoning. Makhanya, who has resided in exile in South Africa for two years, alleges that this act of violence is connected to ongoing threats against pro-democracy activists in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy. Currently hospitalized in Pretoria, Makhanya was poisoned at home, with his political party stating he was targeted shortly before scheduled protests advocating for multi-party elections. Notably, while Eswatini allows independent candidates, political parties are prohibited from participating in elections. The government of Eswatini, led by King Mswati III since 1986, has long faced allegations of oppressive tactics against dissenters. These accusations have escalated following past violent incidents, including the killing of human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko. Despite the allegations, Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo rejected claims of state involvement in Makhanya’s poisoning. Reports indicate the use of a highly toxic pesticide in this assassination attempt, which Pudemo has condemned as a blatant attack on political opposition. The case has drawn international attention, prompting calls for heightened protection for Makhanya and his family. Meanwhile, opposition leaders insist that their planned protests will proceed as a demonstration against the existing autocratic political structures that have led to widespread suffering among the populace.
The political climate in Eswatini remains fraught with tension, particularly following a series of violent crackdowns on dissent. Mlungisi Makhanya’s situation exemplifies the dangers faced by opposition figures under the monarch’s regime, which has been criticized for its absolutist governance style. The People’s United Democratic Movement aims to challenge the status quo in the lead-up to protests advocating for more democratic processes. The history of political violence in the country, including recent assassinations and assaults on activists, places heightened importance on Makhanya’s case as a reflection of the broader struggle for democracy in Eswatini.
The attempted poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya highlights the perilous situation faced by political opposition in Eswatini. As he fights for his life in a South African hospital, the incident underscores the risks that pro-democracy activists encounter in an autocratic political landscape. Calls for intervention and support from international communities reflect broader concerns for the safety of exiled opposition members, while plans for protests signal ongoing resistance against monarchic rule. The future for political reform in Eswatini remains uncertain, as Makhanya’s condition draws attention to the urgent need for change in a country plagued by authoritarianism.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
