Eswatini's Crackdown on Dissent: A Troubling Violation of Human Rights

In a concerning development, authorities at Eswatini's Matsapha Correctional Complex have reportedly denied food rations to jailed former parliamentarian, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza, raising serious concerns about the well-being and rights of political prisoners in the country.

Denying Sustenance, Jeopardizing Health: The Plight of Eswatini's Political Prisoners

Withholding Vital Nourishment

According to reports, Mabuza, a former member of parliament, has been denied a proper meal for the last four days since his sentencing on July 15, 2024. Guards have refused to provide him with breakfast on July 17 and have also banned him from receiving food from outside the prison. This is particularly concerning as Mabuza has a medical condition that requires a specific diet, as confirmed by a doctor's report provided to the relevant authorities.The denial of food to a prisoner with a known medical condition is a grave violation of human rights and can have severe consequences on their health. Authorities in Eswatini must immediately address this issue and ensure that Mabuza is provided with the necessary sustenance, including allowing external food deliveries as per his medical requirements, as well as the appropriate medical attention.

A Pattern of Abuse and Neglect

This is not the first time that Mabuza and his fellow imprisoned MP, Mthandeni Dube, have faced mistreatment in prison. Reports indicate that guards have repeatedly assaulted them, with an incident in September 2022 where members of the prison unit responsible for transporting them to and from court attacked them. Additionally, Mabuza was beaten by guards after their conviction in 2023.Authorities in Eswatini have failed to conduct investigations into these attacks, further exacerbating the concerns about the treatment of political prisoners in the country. The denial of food and the documented instances of physical abuse suggest a troubling pattern of human rights violations against those who dare to challenge the government's authoritarian rule.

Unjust Convictions and Lengthy Sentences

Mabuza and Dube were arrested on July 25, 2021, during a wave of pro-democracy demonstrations in Eswatini. They were charged with inciting unrest under the country's Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008 and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938. On June 1, 2023, a court convicted them, and on July 15, 2024, they were sentenced to 25 and 18 years in prison, respectively.These convictions and lengthy prison terms are widely regarded as an outrageous injustice, as they appear to be politically motivated and a blatant attempt to silence dissent and crush the pro-democracy movement in Eswatini. The authorities' actions against Mabuza and Dube are a clear violation of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and political participation.

Calls for Immediate Action and Release

Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the situation, with Vongai Chikwanda, the organization's Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stating that the denial of food to Mabuza amounts to torture or ill-treatment that could have severe consequences on his health.Chikwanda has called on the Eswatini authorities to immediately provide Mabuza with proper sustenance, including allowing external food deliveries as per his medical requirements, and necessary medical attention. Furthermore, Amnesty International has demanded that the authorities in Eswatini immediately free Mabuza and Dube and drop all charges against them, as their convictions and lengthy prison terms are an outrageous injustice.The international community must closely monitor the situation in Eswatini and exert pressure on the authorities to uphold the basic human rights of all citizens, including political prisoners. The denial of food and the documented instances of abuse against Mabuza and Dube are a stark reminder of the urgent need for democratic reforms and the protection of fundamental freedoms in the country.