Southern African bloc calls on Eswatini to investigate killing of rights activist

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - The Southern African regional bloc of 16 countries urged the government of Eswatini to conduct a speedy and transparent investigation into the killing of rights activist Thulani Maseko who was gunned down Sunday.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Namibian President Hage Geingob, who is also the head of the political and security organ of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), voiced deep concern about Maseko's death.

"At his death, Mr. Maseko was Chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum which was established as a coalition of non-state actors to advocate for a process of national political dialogue aimed at resolving the security and political challenges confronting the Kingdom (Eswatini)," Geingob said.

Maseko was a longtime critic of King Mswati III. He was shot dead on Sunday by unknown gunmen at his home in Luhleko, some 50 kilometers (about 32 miles) from the capital Mbabane.

Eswatini has been gripped by on-and-off protests since 2021 with pro-democracy protesters demanding political reform and the abolition of the monarchy.

The SADC underlined the need for a peaceful resolution to the political and security challenges affecting the continent's last absolute monarchy led by King Mswati III.

"When dialogue fails, people go to war. Therefore, we propose that national and inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue takes place," said Geingob.

Several organizations, including the UN, African Union, and civil society groups, have condemned Maseko's killing.