January 23, 2023
Johannesburg Mbabane
“They have intended to hurt us, to break our spirit, our moral strength and crush our resilience so that we succumb to their evil desires.” Excerpts from an open letter from prison written by Thulani Maseko in 2015.
As SouthernDefenders, we express our pain and outrage at the brazen assassination of renowned human rights lawyer, Thulani Maseko who was gunned down at point-blank range, in front of his wife and children at his home in Luhleko, Mbabane, on the evening of January 21, 2023. This atrocious, cowardly and cold-blooded act came a few hours after King Mswati had issued ‘stern warnings’ to those calling for democratic reforms in the country, and that his hired mercenaries would deal with them.
At the time of his death, Maseko was a senior member of Lawyers for Human Rights Swaziland, and chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, a convergence of various stakeholders calling for constitutional reforms in Eswatini. As one of the founding members of SouthernDefenders, Maseko made an immense contribution to the advancement of justice and human rights not only in Eswatini but throughout the Southern Africa region. He has carried out several fact-finding missions to countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi where he reported on the deterioration of civic space in the region.
“A staunch believer in the rule of law and constitutionalism, Maseko used his professional legal skills to advocate for democratic reforms and peaceful transition. It is deeply saddening that his work and selfless dedication has been repaid in such a ruthless and callous act.”, said Professor Adriano Nuvunga, Vice-Chairperson of SouthernDefenders.
In Eswatini, many will attest that Maseko persistently preached the message of peace and love. In the face of great adversity, Maseko remained steadfast in the fight for freedom and justice, courageously raising awareness of the injustices suffered by the people of Eswatini. It is deeply saddening that he has paid the ultimate price with his life in this gruesome and callous manner.
While the government of Eswatini issued a statement condemning the murder of Maseko and its intention to investigate, SouthernDefenders asserts that, given the political environment, only an independent investigation can ensure that those responsible for the assassination of Maseko and many others brutally injured and killed are brought to justice and their families rightfully compensated. We, therefore, call on SADC, the African Union, and the international community to hold the leadership of King Mswati III accountable for the violence that continues to be meted against the people of Eswatini, merely for advocating for their recognized fundamental human rights, including political participation.
SouthernDefenders is gravely concerned that the killing of Maseko signifies an increasingly dangerous deterioration of the political crisis in Eswatini. It is terrifying to observe the monarch clamp down on the people it is meant to serve and protect. Eswatini as a member of SADC and signatory to its Treaty is bound to uphold Article 4 of the Treaty which explicitly states that the principles guiding the acts of its members are human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Article 5 of the Treaty further requires all states to promote and defend peace and security. SouthernDefenders reminds Eswatini that as a member state of SADC, its government should comply with the principles and guidelines to which the region is bound. The state of affairs in Eswatini is a clear reflection of the failure of the country’s leadership to defend and maintain peace, security and transparency for its citizens. SADC cannot continue to stand by and watch.
As SouthernDefenders, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Thulani Maseko’s wife Tanele, their children, the Maseko family, and the human rights community in Eswatini. We reassert our support for and uncompromising solidarity with the people of Eswatini in their continued quest for democracy. We call on the greater Africa and its friends to stand in solidarity with us on behalf of Maseko. His unshaken commitment to the achievement of justice and freedom will be our beacon for all time.
SouthernDefenders strongly urges the Eswatini government to:
Immediately allow for an internationally supported, thorough, independent and expeditious investigation into the circumstances of the killing of Thulani Maseko and others killed since 2021, to ensure justice and full accountability.
Respect, protect and promote the rights of all under the jurisdiction of Eswatini to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and political participation even if they hold opposing views.
Release all political prisoners and refrain from the excessive use of force to disperse protestors and refrain from the arbitrary arrest, detention, harassment or intimidation of pro-democracy activists and others expressing opposing views.
Immediately end the violent rhetoric against pro-democracy activists and human rights defenders.
Immediately allow for an inclusive and genuine political dialogue to usher in a democratic dispensation in Eswatini.
SouthernDefenders calls on SADC to:
Immediately set up a task force or oversight mechanism to ensure a swift, thorough and independent investigation into the arbitrary killing of Thulani Maseko and all other pro-democracy activists in Eswatini, that have taken place since 2021.
Hold King Mswati III and the government of Eswatini accountable for the ongoing gross violations of human rights, including arbitrary detentions, excessive use of force against protesters, abductions and extra-judicial killings of activists.
To evoke Article 4 and 5 of the Treaty which clearly stipulate the principles of democracy, rule of law and human rights that guide the acts of member states, and the democratic and political institutions that are to achieve this, taking all necessary steps to ensure adherence by Eswatini.
Ensure the government of Eswatini respects, protects and fulfils its human rights obligations, in accordance with international and regional human rights law and standards as set out in the African Charter for Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Robustly engage with King Mswati III and his government, opposition and civil society leaders, and other relevant stakeholders in and outside Eswatini to urgently broker an end to the ongoing political crisis and the ushering in of democratic reforms.
Background on the Deteriorating Human Rights Situation in Eswatini:
Since June – July 2021, one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarch has been rocked by nationwide protests which began against police brutality but have now metamorphosed into sustained demands of democratic reforms, and an end to the excessive opulence of the Monarch, in the face of being one of the region’s poorest economies. In response, King Mswati III’s government has retaliated with excessive force, arbitrary arrests, detention, and abductions of pro-democracy leaders and protestors, as well as the shutdown of the internet, and blanket bans on protests. More than 80 people have been killed, 200 plus injured, and thousands of others arrested and detained. Currently, two Members of Parliament have been arbitrarily detained for 18 months, facing criminal prosecution under the Suppression of Terrorism Act in relation to their involvement in the protests. SouthernDefenders has directly received reports of lawyers and judges being harassed, threatened, and intimidated for their real or suspected support of the ongoing pro-democracy movement. Just last month, SouthernDefenders assisted one human rights lawyer who narrowly escaped death after gunshots were fired at his car. Fearing for his life, he was forced into exile, like many other citizens.
Despite efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to resolve the crisis, King Mswati III has ignored the pleas of citizens, opposition politicians, civil society, the regional and international community, and instead escalated the government’s crackdown on dissenting voices. He has openly called for an “eye for an eye” and failed to genuinely engage in dialogue. Recently, the government was accused of hiring mercenaries to assist its security forces in suppressing opposition voices. Credible reports indicate that Mercenaries wearing baklavas, are working alongside State security forces, and manning roadblocks in the country. The existence of mercenaries in the country and the chilling remarks made by King Mswati III point to a state-sponsored assassination of Maseko.
For further enquiries please contact
Washington Katema, Director: wkatema@southerndefenders.africa (+27 73 620 2608)
Meamande Wamukwamba, Programmes Manager: mwamukwamba@southerndefenders.africa (+27 630 072 402)
Endorsed by the following civil society organizations:
DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
Front Line Defenders
Panos Institute Southern Africa
Center for Democracy and Development (CDD)
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
Centre for Human Rights
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
Mozambique Human Rights Defenders Network (RMDDH)
University of Pretoria
Zimbabwe Human Rights Association
Observatoire des droits de l’Homme au Rwanda – ODHR
Seinoli Legal Centre – Lesotho
Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA)
SADC-Lawyers Association (SADCLA)
The National Association of Democratic Lawyers
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition
Plataforma da Sociedade Civil em Manica (PLASOC)
Associação Socorro de Moçambique (SOCORRO)
Faith and Hope Association
Associação Moçambicana Sou Jovem
Associação para o Desenvolvimento Comunitário
Associação MW-Chimoio
Associação Moçambicana de Mulheres com Deficiência
Associação Dos Direitos Da Vida Humana
Silver Lining Moçambique
Tearfund
Associação ADCEM
Missão Cristã para Desenvolvimento Rural
Rede Comunitária
Associação AkA Power
Botswana Council of Non-Govermental Organizations (BOCONGO)
Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)
Human Rights Defenders Coalition – Malawi
Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe
Freedom House
Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum
Regional Watch for Human Rights
Southern Africa People Solidarity Network (SAPSN)
Letsema Centre for Development and Democracy
Ligue Burundaise des droits de l’homme Iteka
Kenya Human Rights Commission
KUTAKESA
Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI)
Zimbabwe Human Rights Associate
Ligue Djiboutienne des Droits Humains
Zambia Council for Social Development
Yetu Infotech Collective
Defenders Coalition
Réseau Nigerien des Défenseurs des Droits Humains
Mqanduli community advice office
Centro de Estudos Moçambicanos e Internacionais (CEMO)
Raise the Young Foundation
ODIMA NGO
Swaziland Concerned Church Leaders
Centre for Women Human Rights Defenders in Africa
Southern Africa Women Human Rights Defenders
Political Prisoners in Africa
Civic Space Network
African Initiative of Women Human Rights Defenders
Civic Space Network
Chapter One Foundation
Gun Free SA
Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement South Africa
West African Human Rights Defenders’ Network
KwaZulu-Natal Monitor
Zimrights
The Good Samaritan Association
LDDH Djibouti
The Public Interest Practice
Integrity Magazine News
Center for Artists’ Human Rights in Southern Africa
La Via Campesina Southern and Eastern Africa
Swaziland Concerned Church Leaders
Zambia Human Rights Defenders Network (ZHRDN)
African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS)
Swaziland Rural Women’s Assembly
International Labour, Research and Information Group (ILRIG)
Khulumani Support Group
International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) CSO National Chapter
Green Governance Zimbabwe Trust
Botswana Watch Organization
International Commission of Jurists
Network of the independent Commission for Human rights in North Africa CIDH AFRICA
Free Press Initiative Zambia
Lumiere Synergie pour le Developpement
Civic Commission for Africa (CCFA)
Foundation for Socio-Economic Justice
Open Society- Africa
Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED)
Action for Civic Participation
Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF)
Fórum Nacional de Rádios Comunitárias (FORCOM)
South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network
Lawyers for Human Rights
Kanye Independent Living Centre (KILC)
Jamaa Resource Initiatives
Protection International Africa
Partenariat pour la Protection Integree-PPI/DRC
Observatoire des droits de l’homme au Rwanda ( ODHR)
Chitungwiza Residents Trust
Vostile Creatives Trust
Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre
Associação Comunitária Matsatsi
ActionAid South Africa
Transnational Institute (TNI)
Permanent Peoples Tribunal
Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC)
Associação de Assistência Psicológica à Comunidade
National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders
The Peace Centre
Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD)
Centre for Artists’ Human Rights in Southern Africa
REMAC
Haki Africa
AntiRepression Collective
Pan Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (AfricaDefenders)
Defend Defenders
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC)
Endorsed by the following individuals:
Arnold Tsunga
Prof. Adriano Nuvunga
Lucia da Silveira
Tiseke Kasambala
Alice Mogwe
Prof. Sishuwa Sishuwa
Roshnee Narrandes
Washington Katema
Simphiwe Sidu
Meamande Wamukwamba
Constance Mukarati
Jacob van Garderen
Charles Chimedza
Laswet Savadye
Bongani Ngwenya
Sheila Nhancale
Laura Rwambiwa
Keiso Mohloboli
Zakaria Abdillahi
Tatenda Mazarura
Makanaka Makonese
Tankiso Motipi
Roselyn Hanzi
Blessing Gorejena
Lloyd Kuveya
Norman Lala Tjombe
Vusumuzi Sifile
Fidelis Mudimu
Mark Heywood
Faith Munyati
Mpangi Kwenge
Martin Masiga
Munjodzi Muatandiri
Thulani Mswelanto
Muzi Masuku
Lepeli Moeketsi
Siphosami Malunga
Kumbirai Mafunda
Justice Alfred Mavedzenge
Maxwell Nkambule
Busisiwe Zasekhaya
Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka
Ashwanee Budoo-Scholts
João Nhampossa
Francisco Rafael Gale
Micaela Bungueia
Henriques Henriques
Assimone Bonifácio
Menezes Lino
Georgina Nicolau Cauzande
Beatriz Augusta Roque Remane
Danilo Mairoce
Pedro Tawanda
Rângel António
Belita José Ernesto Njirazafa
Felisberto Andreque
Afonso Costina
Dealton de Araujo
Raúl Maharate
Baltazar José Fazenda
Edgar Jone
Antonio Muredzere
Líria de Araújo
Julia Wachave
Isabel Próstamo
Otto Saki
Aly Caetano
Albertina Armando
Mitilage Nantica
Félix Fernando chinanga
Isabel Matos
Boniface Cheembe
Janet Zhou
Godinho Cristóvão
Whitney Mulobela
Leah Diana Mitaba
Sinah Teemane
Mary Pais Da Silva
Nikiwe Kaunda
Annah Moyo
Andrew Matayataya
Vusumuzi Sifile
Dr. Musa Kika
Bennitto Motitswe
Anschaire Nikoyagize
Davis Malombe
Munyaradzi Tsunga
Tawanda Mugari
Me Zakaria
Munyandilikirwa Laurent
Barrister Tola Thompson Adebayor
Monametsi Sokwe
Joan Chirwa
Stanley Nyamanhindi
Ghalib Galant
Danilo Mairoce
Barrister Mayomi Afekuiah
Ferosa Chaúque
Dra. Sheila
NAJi Moulay lahsen
Esther Tawiah
Alice Kuveya
Rângel António
Thapelo Mohapi
Linda Kasonde
Henriques Henriques
Wayne Ncube
Omardine Zacarias Omar
Jone Arão Bambamba
Maungo T Mooki
Malven Daka
Olive Moore
Creva Pereira Gama
Wilbert Mandinde
Onkabetse Ketshabile
James Bidal Asu
Barrister Mayomi Afekuiah
Gershom Kabaso Jr
Thabo Masuku
Mark Weinberg
Obino Nyambane
Dale McKinley
Brian Ashley
SHARIFF Bonnie Florencia
Elpídeo FA Mutemba
Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh
Nyeoe Ntene
Thozama Dyantyi
Sifiso Dladla
André Catueira
Hassan Shire
Líria de Araújo
Jacob van Garderen
Nzira Razao
Gianni Tognoni, Secretary General
Dzikamai Bere
Susan Muriungi
Maria Antônia Domingos Campira
Mary de Haas
Hussein Khalid
Marjorie Jobson
Yona Wanjala
Fiona Dove
Brid Brennan
Mesud Gebeyehu Reta
Melanie SONHAYE KOMBATE
Nada Awad
Bonsile Mamba- National Chairperson
José Ivo Correia
Yankuba Keita
Frank Mpahlo
Gift Trapence.
KANNI Abdoulaye
Robert R. Kirenga
Pascal Mupenda
S Nyembe
Robert Letsatsi
Elisa Comé
Kelly Gillespie
Dr Justice Mavedzenge
#TogetherWeDefend
#JusticeForThulani
The post SouthernDefenders Strongly Condemns the Heinous Assassination of Renowned Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko, Calls for a Swift and Thorough Investigation and Urges SADC to Urgently Act on the Escalating Political Crisis in Eswatini appeared first on SouthernDefenders.
