Mlungisi Makhanya: Eswatini Opposition Leader Poisoned in South Africa

Mlungisi Makhanya, Eswatini’s opposition leader, was poisoned in South Africa in what is believed to be an assassination attempt. He is hospitalized in critical condition, while his party, Pudemo, demands international support for his safety. The incident occurs ahead of protests advocating for multi-party elections in a country ruled by King Mswati III, who has faced criticism for suppressing dissent.

Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini’s primary opposition party, has been reportedly poisoned in South Africa amid allegations of an assassination attempt. The 46-year-old has resided in exile in South Africa for the past two years due to threats to his safety following a severe crackdown on pro-democracy protests in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy. The People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo) confirmed that Makhanya is currently hospitalized, describing his condition as critical yet stabilized. Eswatini government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo refuted claims of state accountability, asserting that “the government does not kill or poison suspects.” The timing of the incident is particularly concerning as it occurs just before scheduled demonstrations advocating for multi-party elections in a nation where political party participation is prohibited. Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, has been ruled by King Mswati III since 1986, facing widespread criticism for suppressing dissent. Makhanya was allegedly attacked by an unidentified individual at his residence in Pretoria, leading to his immediate hospitalization with symptoms consistent with poisoning, including reports of stolen personal belongings. The Pudemo deputy president, Wandile Dludlu, indicated that a highly toxic pesticide was utilized in this incident, characterizing it as an assassination attempt. In response to the event, Pudemo has called for international assistance to ensure the safety of Makhanya and his family during his recovery. Various advocacy groups, including the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN), have condemned the attack and urged the South African government to intervene against suspected Swazi operatives targeting exiled activists fighting for democratic reforms. The opposition has emphasized the ongoing peril posed by the oppressive political environment in Eswatini, where many have faced violence for voicing their demands for change.

The political climate in Eswatini is characterized by repression and a lack of democratic freedoms, as the nation remains under the absolute monarchy of King Mswati III. Since coming to power in 1986, the king has been accused of suppressing dissent and fostering a culture of fear among pro-democracy advocates. This oppressive atmosphere escalated significantly following protests in 2021, during which many demonstrators lost their lives. Mlungisi Makhanya, as the leader of Pudemo, has been a vocal critic of the regime, advocating for democratic reforms and multi-party elections, which current laws prohibit in Eswatini. His recent poisoning underscores the dangers faced by opposition leaders in a climate where government repression is routine.

The assassination attempt on Mlungisi Makhanya not only highlights the perilous situation for political dissenters in Eswatini but also raises questions about the extent of state-sponsored violence against those who challenge the monarchy. As calls for democratic reforms intensify, it is imperative that the international community take notice and ensure the safety of Makhanya and other activists opposing the autocratic regime. The incident serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy in Eswatini, as the opposition prepares for planned protests seeking greater political freedoms.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk