Amnesty International has called on Eswatini authorities to immediately and unconditionally release imprisoned opposition Member of Parliament Bacede Mabuza and to overturn the convictions of both Mabuza and fellow parliamentarian Mthandeni Dube who was recently granted a conditional royal pardon.
The appeal followed the announcement of Dube’s supervised release under a royal clemency order.
“The Eswatini authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Bacede Mabuza and quash both MPs’ unfair convictions,” Amnesty International deputy regional Director for eastern and southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda said on Thursday.
While welcoming the development, Chikwanda warned that the restrictive conditions attached to Dube’s release – including bans on political activity, public speaking, media engagement, and limitations on travel and residence – amount to a continued violation of his human rights.
“Mthandeni Dube’s release may bring relief to his family, but justice remains incomplete while his rights are curtailed and Bacede Mabuza remains behind bars,” she said.
“Both MPs were imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their rights. Their convictions must be quashed.”
Mabuza and Dube were arrested in July 2021 amid a wave of pro-democracy protests in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
The two lawmakers had publicly called for constitutional reforms and were charged with terrorism-related offenses.
In July 2023, they were convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups and regional observers.
Chikwanda said the case exemplified Eswatini’s broader crackdown on peaceful dissent and civic freedoms.
JN/APA