Lawyers for Democratic Reform in Swaziland (LAW-DERSWA) Statement on SADC’s Decision to Remove Eswatini from the Agenda
August 19, 2024
Lawyers for Democratic Reform in Swaziland (LAW-DERSWA) expresses profound disappointment and concern over the recent decision by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to remove Eswatini from the security organ’s agenda. This decision is not only a setback for the rule of law and democratic governance in Eswatini but also a failure on the part of SADC to fulfill its obligations to protect human rights and uphold democratic principles in the region.
The situation in Eswatini remains critical. Political prisoners continue to languish in detention, political parties are still banned and there has been no meaningful political dialogue to address the legitimate grievances of the people. By removing Eswatini from its agenda, SADC is effectively turning a blind eye to the ongoing violations of human rights and the suppression of political freedoms in the country.
We are particularly concerned that this decision sends a dangerous message that the SADC region is willing to tolerate authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic institutions. Such a stance not only undermines the credibility of SADC as a regional body committed to promoting democracy and human rights but also emboldens oppressive regimes to continue their repressive practices without fear of accountability.
LAW-DERSWA is alarmed by the Eswatini government’s assertion at the SADC Summit that the country has resolved its political challenges and that a political dialogue has taken place. This claim is misleading and does not reflect the reality on the ground. The so-called dialogue was exclusionary and did not involve key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations and the broader citizenry. As such, it failed to address the root causes of the political crisis in Eswatini.
We believe that the removal of Eswatini from the SADC agenda will only exacerbate the political, social and economic challenges facing the country. The lack of accountability and the absence of genuine political reforms will lead to further instability, which will have dire consequences for the people of Eswatini and the region as a whole.
LAW-DERSWA calls on SADC to reconsider its decision and to take concrete steps to support the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Eswatini. We urge the regional bloc to facilitate an inclusive and transparent political dialogue that leads to the unbanning of political parties, the release of political prisoners, and the establishment of a truly democratic political system.
In conclusion, LAW-DERSWA remains committed to advocating for democratic reforms in Eswatini and will continue to work alongside other civil society organizations to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that their rights are protected. We call on SADC to stand with the people of Eswatini in their struggle for justice, freedom, and democracy.
Issued By:
Philile Khumalo
LAW-DERSWA
+27 72 359 2417