Assassination Attempt on Eswatini Opposition Leader Mlungisi…

Mlungisi Makhanya, leader of Eswatini’s main opposition party Pudemo, has been poisoned in an assassination attempt and is in critical condition in a South African hospital. His party links the attack to state-sanctioned violence, coinciding with planned protests for multi-party elections. The Eswatini government denies involvement, while calls for international support for Makhanya’s safety are amplified following previous incidents against opposition figures.

Eswatini’s principal opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, aged 46, has reportedly been poisoned in an assassination attempt, according to his political party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo). Living in exile in South Africa for the past two years due to safety concerns following a crackdown on pro-democracy initiatives in Eswatini, Makhanya is receiving treatment in a Pretoria hospital. While his condition has stabilized, he remains critically ill. The party has condemned the attack as an attempt on the life of their leader, coinciding with planned protests advocating for multi-party elections next month. It is noteworthy that, although independent candidates may run for parliament, political parties are not permitted to partake in elections. King Mswati III, who has reigned since 1986, governs by decree and faces frequent criticism for his opulent lifestyle and restrictive policies against dissent. This situation has recently escalated, particularly after the assassination of Thulani Rudolf Maseko, a well-known human rights lawyer, in 2023. It has been reported that Makhanya was targeted while at home in Pretoria by an unidentified younger individual deemed by Pudemo to be an \’agent of evil intent\’ representing the Swazi government. After the incident, Makhanya was promptly taken to the hospital and has indicated to authorities that he had suffered poisoning and theft of his cell phones. Wandile Dludlu, Pudemo’s deputy president, disclosed that the substance used was an extremely harmful pesticide. The Eswatini government, represented by spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo, has vehemently denied any involvement. Nxumalo emphasized the government\’s commitment to adhering to a code of ethics, claiming they only capture suspects alive and expressed their disappointment over the allegations made against them. Additionally, Pudemo has sought international aid to ensure the safety of Makhanya and his family during this critical period. In light of this attack, the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), a community of expats in South Africa, has denounced the incident, characterizing it as a bold and clear assassination attempt against Makhanya. They implored the South African government to intervene against the agents of the Swazi state who are reportedly targeting exiled pro-democracy figures, highlighting the broader political struggle faced by opposition parties in Eswatini.

Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is notable as Africa’s last absolute monarchy, with King Mswati III at the helm since 1986. The political environment is fraught with tension, particularly for opposition parties like Pudemo. Despite the allowance for independent candidates in parliamentary elections, political parties lack participation rights, contributing to widespread dissatisfaction among activists. Pro-democracy movements have faced violent repression, further escalating concerns for the safety of their leaders, such as Mlungisi Makhanya, who has been a prominent critic of the monarchy and has faced prior threats to his life. This backdrop sets the stage for understanding the extreme actions taken against him. The increase in violent incidents against opposition figures, especially the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko, underscores the severe risk faced by those advocating for political reform in the country. Recent protests highlight the ongoing struggle against systemic issues stemming from the lack of democratic representation and governmental transparency in Eswatini.

In summary, the poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya represents a significant escalation in the tensions between the Eswatini government and pro-democracy advocates. With Makhanya’s condition being critical yet stable, the incident underscores the risks faced by opposition figures in Eswatini. The call for international support by Pudemo and condemnation from civic groups signal a growing concern over the safety of activists. As the political climate remains tumultuous, upcoming protests will likely serve as a litmus test for the resilience of the opposition in the face of oppressive measures instituted by the monarchy.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com