Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Peter Fabricius
Published on 2024-04-05 11:52:08
Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer and political activist in Eswatini, was tragically murdered in front of his family on 21 January last year. His death has had far-reaching implications for the country’s opposition and democratic reform movement. The vacuum left by Maseko’s absence has allowed King Mswati III to consolidate his power and solidify the absolute monarchy in Eswatini.
Prior to his death, Maseko played a key role in facilitating dialogue between various political and civil society groups in Eswatini. His leadership was instrumental in keeping the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) together, which advocated for a real and inclusive national democratic dialogue. However, following his murder, the MSF disintegrated, further fracturing the opposition to Mswati’s rule.
The decision by Mswati to call parliamentary elections last year further deepened the divisions within the opposition. While some members chose to support the elections, others boycotted them, calling for a legitimate reform process before participating in any electoral activities. The lack of a unified opposition has allowed Mswati to maintain his autocratic grip on power.
Despite initial attempts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene and push for democratic reforms in Eswatini, progress has been slow and ineffective. Mswati’s government has stalled and obstructed the dialogue process, insisting on a top-down approach that lacks inclusivity and substantive engagement with the opposition.
In the aftermath of the election, Mswati convened a two-week Sibaya meeting where grievances were aired, but the dialogue fell short of addressing the country’s democratic deficit. The appointment of a new Prime Minister did little to address the fundamental issues raised by the opposition.
Meanwhile, Maseko’s widow, Tanele, has faced harassment and intimidation from law enforcement authorities who have suggested that she may be a suspect in her husband’s murder. Despite her refusal to speak to the police without her lawyers present, the authorities have attempted to smear her reputation and divert attention away from the lack of progress in investigating Maseko’s death.
The continued lack of accountability for Maseko’s murder and the harassment of his widow have raised concerns among activists and human rights organizations. The international community has called for a transparent and impartial investigation into Maseko’s death to hold those responsible accountable.
As Eswatini grapples with internal divisions and a growing authoritarian grip, the future of the country’s democracy remains uncertain. Mswati’s consolidation of power and the weakening of the opposition have created a challenging environment for democratic activists. However, the resilience of the democratic impulse in Eswatini remains a beacon of hope for a future where accountability and transparency prevail.
Overall, the legacy of Thulani Maseko’s work and the ongoing struggle for democracy in Eswatini serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law in the face of adversity.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
