In the heart of Africa’s last absolute monarchy, Eswatini, a grim reality haunts the struggle for democracy. The recent legislative elections, though held with anticipation, are unlikely to shake the nation's political foundations. Eswatini's parliament, functioning merely as an advisory body, yields power only to the king, making dissent against the monarchy a perilous endeavor.
For human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, the threat hits close to home. His mentor, Thulani Maseko, was brutally murdered in front of his family earlier this year. The shocking incident, where Maseko was killed while his loved ones watched, sent shockwaves globally. Nhlabatsi, deeply affected by this tragedy, now finds himself in the frontline of the fight for pro-democracy activists, knowing that his own life is at risk.
King Mswati III's ominous warning to activists who challenged his authority hangs heavy in the air: "shed no tears" if they fall victim to hired assailants. Living in constant fear, Nhlabatsi and fellow activists navigate each day cautiously, uncertain about what the next moment might bring. The unresolved murder of Maseko only intensifies their anxiety, leaving them to endure each day, hoping to see the light of the next.
Prior to his untimely death, Maseko was leading a diverse coalition of political, civic, and religious groups striving for dialogue with the king. His absence has thrust Nhlabatsi into the perilous role of defending the country’s pro-democracy advocates, a task laden with danger and uncertainty.
The international community, including the United Nations, has called for an independent investigation into Maseko’s murder. Eswatini, once shaken by pro-democracy protests in 2021, now grapples with a political crisis. Opposition lawmakers, elected in the previous vote in 2018, face imprisonment and exile, highlighting the grim challenges faced by those daring to challenge the status quo.