Speeches

Mr President, the situation in Eswatini, the only country with an absolute monarchy in Africa and one of the last absolute monarchies in the world, is extremely serious. On 21 January 2023, Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer and critic of the absolute monarchy, known for his efforts to promote democracy, the rule of law, good governance and human rights, was murdered by unknown gunmen in his home. This happened hours after King Mswati III made public threats against members of the pro-democracy movement. Demonstrations calling for democratic reforms started in 2021. The King's government retaliated with arbitrary arrests, harassment, threats and abductions of journalists, human rights defenders, political figures, as well as a shutdown of the internet and a ban on demonstrations. Democracy, the rule of law and human rights are fundamental values of the European Union, the European Parliament and the European People's Party. We, as democratically elected Members of the European Parliament, should strongly condemn the unlawful killing and should call for an independent and impartial, internationally supported investigation in an immediate, thorough and transparent manner. We should also condemn human rights violations in the country. It is necessary to urge the Eswatini authorities to respect human rights, democracy and the rule of law and to work swiftly and as a matter of priority towards national reconciliation and lasting peace.