Right now, in Eswatini, a country in southern Africa ruled by an absolute monarchy, two former parliamentarians are unjustly imprisoned. Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube have always defended democracy and human rights, but in 2021, they were arrested during peaceful protests calling for more transparency and political freedom.
Instead of listening to the people's demands, the government falsely accused them of terrorism and sedition, using outdated and repressive laws to silence them. Since then, Mabuza and Dube have endured inhumane conditions in prison, suffering physical abuse, lack of medical care, and restrictions on their legal defense. In June 2023, they were sentenced to outrageous prison terms of 25 and 18 years.
This case is not an isolated one—it is part of a systematic crackdown on those fighting for broader civic space in in Eswatini. The international community, including CIVICUS and the UN, hve already condemned this injustice, but now we must increase the pressure. It’s time to demand that the government of Eswatini follow the law, respect human rights, and free Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube.
Sign this petition to demand justice, transparency, and accountability in Eswatini.