Mbabane, Eswatini – (African Boulevard News) – Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, is under the spotlight again as two pro-democracy MPs were convicted of terrorism and murder on Thursday. The two MPs, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube were found guilty in connection with the wave of anti-regime protests that rocked the country in 2022.
The verdict was delivered by High Court Judge Qinisile Mabuza, who ruled that the two MPs had played a central role in the protests that erupted across the country following the death of a student who was allegedly killed by police during a peaceful protest in May last year. The protests were aimed at demanding political reforms, including limiting the powers of King Mswati III and allowing political parties to participate in national elections.
The conviction of the pro-democracy MPs has sparked outrage among civil society groups and opposition parties, who see it as an attempt by the government to suppress dissent and stifle calls for democratic reforms. Political analysts fear that this development could signal a crackdown on opposition voices in the country.
According to the spokesperson for the Swaziland Solidarity Network, Lucky Lukhele, “The conviction of the two MPs is a clear indication that the government is not ready to tolerate any form of dissent from opposition voices. This is a sad day for democracy and human rights in Eswatini.”
The trial of the two MPs has been marred by irregularities, including allegations of torture and intimidation of witnesses by the police. Lawyers representing the two MPs have vowed to appeal the verdict and have called on the international community to intervene in the matter.
This latest development comes at a time when Eswatini is already facing mounting pressure from the international community to implement democratic reforms. The United States and the European Union have already expressed their concerns over the human rights situation in the country, and have threatened to impose sanctions if the regime fails to take tangible steps towards democratic reforms.
The conviction of the two pro-democracy MPs is a clear indication that the regime is not ready to tolerate any form of dissent, and that the country is on the brink of a major political crisis. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the mounting pressure from the international community and the growing calls for democratic reforms.
