Some people fear the killing of prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko could reignite political violence. He was a fierce critic of King Mswati IIIIn January prominent human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was shot dead in front of his family at their home in Eswatini. He was a fierce critic of King Mswati III and had travelled worldwide to advocate for democracy in his country.
Shortly after his brutal killing, rumours began spreading that he was murdered allegedly by King Mswati’s regime. But Eswatini’s authorities have told Africa Daily, they had no reason to harm him or any other activist. They say they have now launched an investigation. Some fear his killing might spark fresh violence. In 2021, the country descended into chaos when anti-monarchy protesters took to the streets. At least 37 people died in the mayhem. Africa Daily's Mpho Lakaje has been looking at what the death Thulani Maseko could mean for Eswatini.
mpholakaje Even now, the people are simply asking for a dialogue and are asking the UK to support in convincing king Mswati to a dialogue.
mpholakaje Had these entities acted at the requests of the likes of political activists and the ESwatini people, Thulani Maseko and a host of other political activists would not have died, over 100 plus people would not have been shot dead in cold blood....
mpholakaje The people of Eswatini have knocked several times at Commonwealth offices, UK embassies and consulates asking for intervention in averting the continued human rights abuses in Swaziland. We have continuously been ignored.