Lawyers for Democratic Reform in Swaziland (LAW-DERSWA) Statement on the Attempted Assassination of PUDEMO President Mlungisi Makhanya
25 September 2024
LAW-DERSWA condemns in the strongest terms the recent attempted assassination of the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Mlungisi Makhanya, in what appears to have been a cowardly act of poisoning in his own home. This brazen attack is a direct affront to democracy and a blatant violation of human rights, aimed at silencing a prominent political leader who has been tirelessly advocating for freedom, justice and democratic reforms in Eswatini.
We wish to extend our deepest concern and solidarity to Mr. Makhanya, his family and the entire PUDEMO leadership during this time of distress. Such acts of political violence have no place in a civilized society and they reflect the growing climate of repression and impunity that has gripped our country and its citizens.
We are particularly alarmed by the pattern of escalating violence against political leaders, activists and ordinary citizens in Eswatini, who are targeted simply for advocating for fundamental human rights and political freedom. The attack on Mr. Makhanya is not an isolated incident but part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent and maintain the regime’s stranglehold on power.
As human rights defenders, we reiterate our commitment to upholding justice, accountability and the rule of law. We urge regional and international bodies, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations, to take a firm stand against these egregious violations of human rights in Eswatini. We call for diplomatic and legal measures to protect those who are fighting for a democratic and just society.
We also call upon the people of Eswatini and the global community to stand in solidarity with Mr. Makhanya and all those who are courageously resisting oppression. Our pursuit of justice and democracy will not be deterred by these vicious attacks. We remain steadfast in our commitment to seeing a free and democratic Eswatini, where the rule of law, human rights and political freedoms are upheld.
Issued by:
LAWYERS FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORM IN SWAZILAND (LAW-DERSWA)