MBABANE:Brain Sangweni,the National Spokesperson of the People’s United Democratic Movement(PUDEMO) has, on behalf of the political organization, released a statement welcoming the United States(US) Resolution 174 that condemned human rights violations in eSwatini.
This comes after the US Parliament passed a historic resolution that further urged the United Nations(UN) Commissioner for Human Rights to launch an independent investigation into the assassination of lawyer Thulani Maseko, the Chairperson of the pro-democracy MultiStakeholder Forum(MSF) and former PUDEMO Secretary General.
“The People's United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) welcome and deeply appreciate the United States resolution 174 concerning the worrisome and deplorable human rights record of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini. We join the Senate in condemning unequivocally the brutal assassination of our compatriot and former Secretary General, advocate Cde Thulani Rudolph Maseko, a poignant symbol of our fight against political violence and repression.We see this resolution not only as a vivid reflection of the international community's outrage at the dire state of affairs in Eswatini but also as a beacon of hope for our people who have long been yearning for justice, freedom, and respect for human rights.It is heartening to witness the acknowledgment and concern from the United States Senate about the continuous human rights violations and the harassment of advocates campaigning for human rights, democratic practices, and constitutionalism in our nation.
We join the international community in issuing a fervent call for the government of King Mswati to cease its habit of human rights violations. PUDEMO assert her firmness in calling for an impartial and transparent investigation into Thulani Maseko\'s assassination so that those responsible are held accountable”, reads the statement in part.
On another note,Thantaza Silolo, the Spokesperson of the Swaziland Liberation Movement(SWALIMO) in a statement sent to this Swaziland News this week said, as an organization, they believe the resolution will force Mswati to respect human rights.
“The Swaziland Liberation Movement (SWALIMO) and the people of Swaziland at large want to applaud the USA Senate for the unanimous decision of passing resolution 174 in response to human rights violations by the Eswatini regime including the barbaric murder of human rights lawyer Thulani Rudolf Maseko.We feel comforted as a people that there is a society of the world that recognizes our predicament and is willing to ensure that our suffering comes to a complete halt. King Mswati 111’s government has for years acted as an immune cult, disregarding all warnings and counsel while abusing state resources and infringing basic human rights.We trust that this resolution will go a long way in forcing the regime to see reason and adapt to recognized international standards and practices on human rights observance and a fair sharing of the economy. No oppressor must feel powerful in this global village such that his evil acts go unpunished forever.We challenge other nations of the world to suffocate this regime and ensure that they follow suit on the steps of the USA Senate and sanction Eswatini authorities to make them see clear reason. Many of our brothers and sisters have died under the presidency of King Mswati 111 through his heartless security and political policies alongside judicial decisions”, said the SWALIMO National Spokesperson.
The late lawyer Thulani Maseko.