MBABANE:Penuel Malinga, the Secretary General of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) has called for the immediate release of the organization’s Youth League President Sakhile Awviva Nxumalo.
The President of the Swaziland Youth Congress(SWAYOCO), a PUDEMO Youth League, was abducted by Mswati’s police on Tuesday morning outside the High Court,he was attending the sentencing of convicted pro-democracy Members of Parliament(MPs) Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.
The sentencing of the pro-democracy MPs was subsequently postponed to the 30th April 2024.
“This deplorable act by the police represents a grave violation of his rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and the rule of law.Comrade Sakhile Awuviva Nxumalo is a dedicated and courageous leader who has tirelessly fought for the rights and freedoms of the Swazi people. His unwavering commitment to the cause of justice and equality is evident in his actions and words, and it is deeply troubling to witness him being targeted and unjustly detained for simply exercising his right to peaceful assembly and expression.We call for the immediate release of Comrade Sakhile Awuviva Nxumalo and demand that the authorities responsible for his abduction be held to account for their actions. PUDEMO stands in solidarity with Comrade Sakhile and reaffirms our commitment to the pursuit of a free, just, and democratic Eswatini.We urge the international community, human rights organizations, and all defenders of freedom and democracy to join us in condemning this flagrant violation of Comrade Sakhile's rights and in calling for his immediate and unconditional,” said the PUDEMO Secretary General through the statement.
Eswatini continues to violate human rights, political activists and human rights defenders are arrested, tortured or even killed for demanding democracy.
PUDEMO Youth League President Sakhile Nxumalo.