Hundreds of people, including foreign diplomats and activists, paid tribute Saturday to Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer and political activist who was shot dead in Eswatini, raising alarm over political violence in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
Maseko, a vocal critic of the authorities, was gunned down through the window of his home last Saturday by unknown assailants. Hours before his death, King Mswati III had warned activists defying him not to “shed tears” about “mercenaries killing them.”
International Mourning
Diplomatic envoys from the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations attended a somber memorial service on the outskirts of Manzini, the commercial capital.
Lawyers and rights activists from across Africa, including Kenya, also traveled to Eswatini to pay their respects. A portrait of Maseko was displayed at the memorial, adorned with a spray of white, yellow, and red flowers.
U.N. representative George Wachira described Maseko’s killing as “a loss not only to Eswatini but to the world and humanity,” adding, “His death shall not be in vain.”
Lifelong Activism and Legal Battles
Maseko, aged 52, spent much of his life fighting state repression and representing opposition activists in court. In 2014, he was jailed for contempt of court over articles critical of the government but was acquitted on appeal and released a year later.
At the time of his death, Maseko led a coalition of political, civic, and religious groups formed in November 2021 to foster dialogue with the king and seek a solution to the country’s political crisis.
Crackdown on Dissent in Eswatini
Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, has banned political parties since 1973 and has a history of repressing dissent. During anti-monarchy protests in June 2021, at least 37 people were killed.
Maseko’s murder drew international condemnation, with calls for an impartial investigation and prosecution of the culprits.
Condemnation From Diplomats and Activists
U.K. Ambassador Simon Boyden emphasized that human rights defenders must rely on the state for protection from violence and intimidation. The vice president of Eswatini’s Law Society, Sdumo Dladla, lamented that Maseko “had to die such a violent death while preaching against violence.”
EU Ambassador Dessislava Choumelova called for the safety of all citizens, including political activists.
Political Groups Demand Accountability
Mlungisi Makhanya, president of the banned political movement PUDEMO, described Maseko’s killing as “one of the most brutal acts in the history of Eswatini,” accusing the king and his officials of responsibility.
Maseko was a senior member of PUDEMO, which advocates for a constitutional multi-party democracy. He is scheduled to be buried Sunday.
