MBABANE: His Excellency Dr Hage Geingob, the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika has once again warned of a looming civil war in eSwatini after the assassination of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko.
The renowned human rights lawyer was assassinated on Saturday,a few hours after King Mswati threatened that his mercenaries will deal with those calling for democratic reforms.
In a statement released on Wednesday,the SADC Troika Chairperson reiterated a call for a peaceful resolution of the political and security challenges affecting the country.
“SADC reiterates the need for peaceful resolution of the political and security challenges affecting the country.When dialogue fails, people go to war.Therefore,we propose that national and MultiStakeholder dialogue takes place,”reads the statement in part.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo had not responded to our questions at the time of compiling this report.
On another note,Mlungisi Makhanya, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) in a live public address on Tuesday warned that the killing of Maseko would further deteriorate the political situation in the country.
“By killing Thulani Maseko, you have killed the prospect and possibility of a peaceful resolution of the Swazi problem. You have killed the only man who was able to reason with some of us that maybe let's give these other options a chance”, said the PUDEMO President.
SADC Troika Chairperson President Dr Hage Geingob(pic: Reuters).