Eswatini Opposition Leader in Critical Condition Following Alleged Poisoning

Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s main opposition party, is in critical but stable condition after an alleged poisoning, which allies claim is an assassination attempt by the state. The government denies the accusations, stating there is no policy of political violence. The incident occurs against a backdrop of political suppression in Eswatini under King Mswati III, who has ruled since 1986, with previous instances of violence against opposition figures.

Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s primary opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo), is currently in critical but stable condition following an incident of alleged poisoning, described by associates as an attempted assassination. He is receiving treatment at a hospital in South Africa after the incident, which occurred on Tuesday at his residence in Pretoria. The allegations have been vehemently denied by the Eswatini government. Penuel Malinga, the secretary general of Pudemo, has claimed that the poisoning was orchestrated by the state, referring to it as “a clear assassination attempt by the [Eswatini] state.” In response, government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo dismissed these accusations, stating, “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 further asserted that Makhanya was not wanted in Eswatini and characterized the claims against the government as lacking substantiation. Under the rule of King Mswati III, who has been in power since 1986 and maintains absolute authority, Eswatini has seen a suppression of political dissent, with political parties prohibited from participating in elections. The king continues to face criticism for his extravagant lifestyle amidst widespread poverty in the nation. According to Malinga, Makhanya was served poisoned food and subsequently locked in his bedroom by an unidentified cook. Help arrived after he managed to contact others, necessitating the breaking down of the door to reach him. While police investigations are underway, medical professionals anticipate that Makhanya, who is currently unable to speak, could make a recovery within two weeks. The South African police have not commented on the situation. Last year, Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer affiliated with Pudemo, was assassinated in his home, a case that remains unresolved despite government promises to investigate. Makhanya previously condemned Maseko’s murder as a politically motivated killing. Just hours before the incident, King Mswati III made statements implying culpability amongst activists, asserting that violence began with them and instructing the populace not to complain about retaliatory actions regarding killings by mercenaries. The political climate in Eswatini has been particularly tumultuous, with significant unrest leading to the deaths of at least 46 individuals at the hands of security forces during pro-democracy protests in 2021, according to Human Rights Watch.

Eswatini, ruled by King Mswati III, is Africa’s last absolute monarchy where political parties are banned and the king exercises significant control. The political landscape has been marked by suppression of dissent and allegations of violence against opposition figures. Mlungisi Makhanya’s situation is not isolated; it reflects broader tensions within the country regarding governance and political repression, highlighted by previous incidents such as the assassination of Thulani Maseko. The growing struggle for democracy in Eswatini illustrates the risks faced by opposition leaders and the violent repercussions of dissent against the ruling monarchy.

The situation surrounding Mlungisi Makhanya represents a troubling instance of alleged political violence in Eswatini, raising concerns about the safety of opposition leaders under King Mswati III’s regime. With government denials and unresolved past assassinations, the necessity for accountability and justice in the face of political persecution becomes increasingly urgent. The broader implications of Makhanya’s health and safety reverberate within the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in the nation.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com