The European Parliament has called for the suspension of European Union aid to Eswatini, accusing the Mbabane authorities of human rights abuses and recruitment of mercenaries to target opposition activities.
Eswatini was one of the countries discussed when Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted a resolution on the respect for human rights in global hotspots. The other countries were Russia and Equatorial Guinea.
In a statement, the parliamentarians expressed concern at the deteriorating political environment in Eswatini following last month’s killing of human rights and trade union lawyer Thulani Maseko.
“The resolution calls on the EU to review or suspend support programmes to Eswatini if funds risk being used for activities that violate human rights,” the parliament said.
A harsh critic of King Mswati III’s government, Maseko was killed by unknown gunmen at his home in Manzini in late January, just hours after the king threatened members of the country’s pro-democracy movement.
The lawyer’s death has sparked calls for political reforms in Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
According to the European Parliament, MEPs want the Eswatini authorities “to start a comprehensive dialogue with opposition immediately.”
“They urge the authorities to launch a comprehensive dialogue with its opponents without delay, with the aim of national reconciliation and lasting peace under the mediation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC),” the parliament said.
The MEPs called for an investigation into the harassment, violence and pressure against other pro-democracy and human rights activists, “as well as the alleged recruitment of mercenaries to help the country’s security forces repress opposition.”
“MEPs call for the immediate release of all political prisoners, whose incarceration they consider a clear contravention of the Cotonou Agreement.”
JN/APA