Eswatini Opposition Leader Was Reportedly Poisoned

Mlungisi Makhanya’s poisoning puts a global spotlight on Eswatini’s political struggles.

At a Glance

Eswatini’s main opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, has reportedly been poisoned, and is in critical condition in a hospital.
He has been in exile in South Africa for two years due to fears for his life.
The People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo) confirmed his poisoning, allegedly orchestrated by the Swazi government.
Eswatini government has denied any involvement in the poisoning incident.
The incident precedes planned protests for multi-party elections in Eswatini.

Poisoning Allegations Against Eswatini Government

Eswatini’s main opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, was reportedly poisoned and is now in critical condition in a hospital. Makhanya, aged 46, who has been living in exile in South Africa for the past two years, was targeted due to his efforts in advocating for democracy in Eswatini. The People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo) said that Makhanya was poisoned by an unidentified “young boy” used as an agent by the Swazi government.

Mlungisi Makhanya in Critical Condition

Makhanya’s home in Eswatini was allegedly firebombed in September 2022, and now he has been poisoned and robbed of his cell phones in Pretoria, South Africa. According to Pudemo deputy president Wandile Dludlu, a rare pesticide poison, identified as Organophosphate, was used in the incident. “The president has been poisoned. It is an assassination attempt on the life of the leader of Eswatini. The poison used is called Organophosphate, it is fatal and rare,” Dludlu stated.

Eswatini’s main opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, his party says.

He's been living in exile in South Africa for the last two years, saying he fears for his life at home in Africa's last absolute monarchy.https://t.co/KSsZcV33Qm

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) September 25, 2024

State Denial and Political Implications

Eswatini government spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo denied any state involvement in the poisoning. “Government does not kill or poison suspects,” he said. He also added that, “Government, through law enforcement agencies, adheres to a strict code of ethics and professionalism. It only apprehends suspects and brings them to justice alive, not dead.” The government has also dismissed accusations of their involvement in protests’ casualties, stating that police were responding to violent attacks.

Ongoing Protests and International Reactions

Pudemo vows to proceed with the planned protests for democratic reforms despite the assassination attempt. The Swaziland Solidarity Network and various international organizations have condemned the attack, calling for action against Swazi state agents. Political parties in South Africa, including the Economic Freedom Fighters, have reacted strongly, blaming the Mswati regime for the attack on Makhanya.

“It is encouraging that the president has survived a day,” Dludlu said. Pudemo calls for an independent investigation into the incident as part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against political dissidents in Eswatini.