#JusticeForThulani: ISHR echoes SouthernDefenders ...

Find SouthernDefenders’ original call here, and below:

‘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.

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’0s 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: [email protected] (+27 73 620 2608) Meamande Wamukwamba, Programmes Manager: [email protected] (+27 630 072 402)

Endorsed by the following civil society organisations:

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  International Commission of Jurists – Kenya  Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network (AfricanDefenders) DefendDefenders  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-Governmental Organizations (BOCONGO) Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) Human Rights Defenders Coalition – Malawi  Open Society-Africa  International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) 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  Amnesty International 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  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  Political Parties Assembly (PPA) Narasha Community Development Group  ProjectHeard  Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) 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 People’s Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia (PAAGZ) Lawyers for Human Rights (South Africa) 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 Anti- Repression Working Group C19 Peoples’ Coalition  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  Goringhaicona Khoi Khoin Indigenous Traditional Council  Haki Africa  AntiRepression Collective  La LDDH People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia Bridging the Gap Botswana  National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya  AIXARRA Restorative Justice Forum  Operation Young Vote (OYV) Associação Mwana Wamudhara Justice Access Point Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) ACACON Cradock Advice Centre Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC) Albert Luthuli Human Rights Advice Centre

Endorsed by the following human rights defenders:

Arnold Tsunga  Prof. Adriano Nuvunga Lucia da Silveira  Tiseke Kasambala  Joseph Bikanda  Hassan Shire  Memory Bandera Alice Mogwe Corlett Letlojane Deprose Muchena Prof. Sishuwa Sishuwa  Roshnee Narrandes Washington Katema  Olga Muthambe Thapelo Ndlovu Simphiwe Sidu Meamande Wamukwamba Constance Mukarati Yared Hailemariam Jacob van Garderen  Charles Chimedza Jose Jaime Macuane Laswet Savadye Bongani Ngwenya  Sheila Nhancale  Laura Rwambiwa Keiso Mohloboli Zakaria Abdillahi Tatenda Mazarura Makanaka Makonese Tankiso Motipi Roselyn Hanzi Kamau Ngugi Gloria Madegwa Longton Jamil Regina Opondo Margareth Nangacovie Blessing Gorejena Annah Moyo  Lloyd Kuveya  Norman Lala Tjombe  Vusumuzi Sifile Fidelis Mudimu Thamsanqa Z Hlatshwayo Mark Heywood  Faith Munyati Mpangi Kwenge Martin Masiga  Munjodzi Muatandiri Thulani Mswelanto  Muzi Masuku Tabita Lilungwe  Guess Nyirenda Lepeli Moeketsi  Dumisile Shabangu  Felisberto Pedro Andreque Siphosami Malunga  Kumbirai Mafunda Justice Alfred Mavedzenge  Maxwell Nkambule  Busisiwe Zasekhaya  Ronald Chikwenhere Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka  Ashwanee Budoo-Scholts  João Nhampossa Francisco Rafael Gale Micaela Bungueia Henriques Henriques  Lungile Tshabalala 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  Custódio Duma Annah Moyo Andrew Matayataya Vusumuzi Sifile Dr. Musa Kika Bennitto Motitswe Anschaire Nikoyagize Davis Malombe Munyaradzi Tsunga Dzikamai Bere 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 Maurice Ouma Odhiambo Nzira Razao Gianni Tognoni, Secretary General Dzikamai Bere Susan Muriungi Maximilienne NGO MBE 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 Sofonea Shale Gift Trapence Adv Tankiso Motipi  Kanni Abdoulaye Hanningtone Amol  Robert R. Kirenga Pascal Mupenda S Nyembe Robert Letsatsi Ferreira Juliasse  Elisa Comé Kelly Gillespie Dr Justice Mavedzenge  Frans Viljoen Felisberto Pedro Andreque Olga Muthambe