Eswatini Opposition Leader in Critical Condition Following Alleged Poisoning
Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s main opposition party, is in critical yet stable condition after an alleged poisoning deemed an assassination attempt by his allies. The government has denied these accusations, insisting there is no evidence of wrongdoing. This incident adds to a concerning history of violence against dissenters in Eswatini, particularly following the unsolved murder of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko last year.
Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s principal opposition party, is currently in a critical yet stable condition following an alleged poisoning, which his supporters have described as an assassination attempt. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Makhanya’s residence in Pretoria, where he is living in exile from Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy in Africa. Penuel Malinga, the secretary general of the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), accused the Eswatini state of orchestrating the poisoning, stating, “This is a clear assassination attempt by the [Eswatini] state.” In contrast, Alpheous Nxumalo, a spokesperson for the Eswatini government, dismissed these allegations, asserting, “It is not in our policy as the government to either kill or poison people who hold a different political view in our country.” Nxumalo characterized the accusations as lacking evidence and clarified that Makhanya was not sought by authorities in Eswatini. As reported, Makhanya reportedly consumed poisoned food and was subsequently locked in his room by an unidentified cook. Rescue efforts necessitated breaking down the door to reach him. Authorities are currently investigating the matter, while medical personnel anticipate that Makhanya, who presently cannot speak, will recover within two weeks. This episode follows a history of violence and intimidation towards dissenters in Eswatini. Last year, Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights attorney and member of Pudemo, was fatally shot in his home in front of his family. Despite promises of an investigation from the government, to date, no individuals have been held accountable for his murder. Makhanya had previously described Maseko’s death as a politically motivated assassination. The climate of repression has been further underscored by previous incidents, where security forces killed at least 46 individuals during pro-democracy protests in 2021, as documented by Human Rights Watch. King Mswati III has ruled Eswatini since 1986 and governs through decrees, with political party participation in elections outlawed. The king’s extravagant lifestyle has drawn criticism, especially in a nation where a significant portion of the population grapples with poverty.
Eswatini, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, operates as an absolute monarchy where political parties are banned and dissent is often met with severe repercussions. The country has faced international scrutiny regarding its human rights record, particularly in relation to the violent suppression of pro-democracy movements. In recent years, various activists, including lawyers and opposition leaders, have faced intimidation, violence, or assassination attempts, reflecting a hostile environment for those challenging the status quo. The current case involving Mlungisi Makhanya raises significant concerns about the safety and wellbeing of opposition figures in an increasingly repressive political atmosphere.
The alleged poisoning of Mlungisi Makhanya has raised alarm among opposition groups in Eswatini, highlighting ongoing fears of politically motivated violence in the country. With government officials denying any involvement and the investigation ongoing, the incident underscores the perilous climate for political dissenters in a nation ruled by an absolute monarchy. As civil society calls for accountability, the pattern of violence against opposition figures remains a significant barrier to establishing democratic governance in Eswatini.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
