Mswati’s eSwatini: Defined by fear and silence; propped by renegades, By Shoks Mnisi Mzolo
King Mswati III of eSwatini is celebrating 40 years on the throne amidst allegations of human rights abuses. While regional leaders and businesses praise his leadership, activists express despair over the oppressive environment in the kingdom. The stark contrast between the kingdom's celebrations and the plight of its critics highlights ongoing issues of fear and silence in eSwatini.
- ▪Mswati's government faces accusations of bullying and mysterious deaths.
- ▪The kingdom recently hosted a two-day celebration attended by various regional leaders.
- ▪Activists, some in exile, struggle to reclaim the discourse on human rights in eSwatini.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Add us on Google Despite a huge fan base, from Southern Africa to Taiwan and the United States, Mswati’s record on human rights is anything but exemplary. Fingers point at the king and his government for the many cases of bullying and mysterious deaths, including those of Maseko, Thabani Nkomonye and Sipho Jele, who died in custody, and the targeting of groups such as the LGBTI+ community. King Mswati III is basking in infrastructure development as he marks 40 years on the throne in eSwatini, a landlocked kingdom of 1.5 million people. Cheers are flowing in. Blue chips, from Standard Bank to Nedbank, and the region’s top brass, are singing the king’s praises.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Premium Times Nigeria.
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