Eswatini: Condemnation of assassination of renowed HRD Thulani Maseko

We express our pain and outrage at the brazen killing of renowned human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko Who was gunned down at close range in front of his wife and children at his home in Luhaleko, Mbabane on the evening of January 21, 2023. This dastardly, cowardly and heartless act happened a few hours after Raja Mswati. Had issued a ‘stern warning’ to those calling for democratic reforms in the country, and said his hired mercenaries would deal with them.

At the time of his death, Maseko was a senior member of the Lawyers for Human Rights Swaziland, and chairman of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, a convergence of various stakeholders seeking constitutional reforms in Eswatini. As one of the founding members of SouthernDefenders, Maseko made an enormous contribution to the advancement of justice and human rights not only in Eswatini but throughout the Southern Africa region. He has undertaken several fact-finding missions in countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi where he reported on the deterioration of civilian space in the region.

,A staunch believer in the rule of law and constitutionalism, Maseko used his professional legal skills to advocate for democratic reforms and a peaceful transition. It is extremely sad that their work and selfless dedication has been paid for in such a heartless and cruel act.”, said the professor Adriano NuvungaVice President of the Southern Defenders.

In Eswatini, many will attest that Maseko consistently preached a message of peace and love. In the face of great adversity, Maseko persevered in the fight for freedom and justice, courageously raising awareness of the injustices meted out to the people of Eswatini. It is extremely sad that he has paid the ultimate price of his life in this gruesome and cruel manner.

While Eswatini’s government issued a statement condemning Maseko’s murder and its intention to investigate, the Southern Defenders claim that, given the political climate, only an independent investigation can ensure that Maseko’s murder is fully justified. Those responsible and many others have been brutally injured and killed. were brought to justice and their families were suitably compensated. Therefore, we call on SADC, the African Union and the international community to hold the leadership of King Mswati III accountable for the violence that continues against the people of Eswatini, for simply advocating their recognized fundamental human rights, including Including political participation.

We are deeply concerned that the killing of Maseko signals an alarming worsening of the political crisis in Eswatini. It is terrifying to see the tyranny of the king over the people he is made to serve and protect. As a member of SADC and a signatory to its treaty, Eswatini is bound to uphold Article 4 of the treaty, which clearly states that the principles guiding the actions of its members are human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Article 5 of the treaty further requires all states to promote and defend peace and security. SouthernDefenders reminds Eswatini that as a member state of SADC, its government must adhere to the principles and guidelines to which the region is bound. The state of affairs in Eswatini is a clear reflection of the country’s leadership’s failure to establish and maintain peace, security and transparency for its citizens. SADC cannot continue to stand by and watch.

We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Thulani Maseko’s wife Tanele, his children, the Maseko family and the human rights community in Eswatini. We assure our support and unwavering solidarity with the people of Eswatini in their continued quest for democracy. We call upon Greater Africa and its friends to stand in solidarity with us on behalf of Maseko. His unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice and freedom will forever be a beacon for us.

We strongly urge the Government of Eswatini to:

*Immediately allow an internationally supported, thorough, independent and expeditious investigation into the circumstances of the murder of Thulani Maseko and others killed by 2021 to ensure justice and full accountability.

* Respect, protect and promote the rights of everyone within the jurisdiction of Eswatini to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and political participation, regardless of whether they hold opposing views.

* Release all political prisoners and avoid the excessive use of force to disperse protesters and the arbitrary arrest, detention, harassment or intimidation of pro-democracy activists and others who express opposing views.

*Immediately end violent rhetoric against pro-democracy activists and human rights defenders.

* Immediately allow an inclusive and genuine political dialogue to usher in a democratic set-up in Eswatini.

We call on SADC to:

* Immediately set up a task force or oversight mechanism to ensure a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into the arbitrary killing of Thulani Maseko and all other pro-democracy activists in Eswatini that have taken place since 2021.

* Hold King Mswati III and the government of Eswatini accountable for ongoing egregious human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force against protesters, abductions and extra-judicial killings of activists.

*To evoke Articles 4 and 5 of the treaty which clearly set out the principles of democracy, rule of law and human rights that guide the acts of member states, and to ensure the democratic and political institutions that achieve this take all necessary steps to Followed by Eswatini.

*Ensure that the Government of Eswatini respects, protects and fulfills its human rights obligations in accordance with international and regional human rights law and standards, as set out in the African Charter for Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has gone.

* King Mswati III and his government are firmly engaging with opposition and civil society leaders, and other relevant stakeholders from within and outside Eswatini to urgently end the ongoing political crisis and initiate democratic reforms.

Background to the deteriorating human rights situation in Eswatini:

Since June – July 2021, one of the world’s last remaining autocratic rulers has been rocked by nationwide protests that began against police brutality but have now turned into sustained demands for democratic reforms, and the king’s ouster. Excessive opulence has come to an end. Being one of the poorest economies of the region. In response, the government of King Mswati III has retaliated with excessive force, arbitrary arrests, detentions and abductions of pro-democracy leaders and protesters, as well as shutting down the internet and imposing a blanket ban on protests. More than 80 people have been killed, more than 200 injured, and thousands more arrested and detained. Currently, two Members of Parliament have been arbitrarily detained for 18 months, undergoing criminal prosecution under the Terrorism Suppression Act in relation to their participation in the protests. SouthernDefenders has received direct reports of lawyers and judges being harassed, bullied and intimidated for actual or suspected support of the ongoing pro-democracy movement. Just last month, SouthDefenders assisted a human rights lawyer who narrowly escaped after shots were fired at his car. Fearing for his life, he was forced into exile like many other citizens.

Despite efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to resolve the crisis, King Mswati III ignored pleas from citizens, opposition politicians, civil society, the regional and international community, and instead stifled government action on dissenting voices. increased. They have openly called for an “eye for an eye” and have failed to actually engage in dialogue. More recently, the government was accused of recruiting mercenaries to aid its security forces in suppressing opposition voices. Credible reports indicate that baklava-clad mercenaries are operating alongside state security forces, manning roadblocks in the country. The existence of mercenaries in the country and chilling remarks made by King Mswati III point to a state-sponsored murder of Maseko.

For further inquiry please contact

Washington Katema, Director: wkatema@sounderndefenders.africa (+27 73 620 2608)

Maimande Vamukwamba, Program Manager: mwamukwamba@southerndefenders.africa (+27 630 072 402)

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