The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa www.ituc-africa.org) is horrified by reports that the Government of Eswatini has continued to use force and violence against its citizens. In particular, we are dismayed by the government’s continued use of force against peaceful protesters and political opponents.
Reports reaching us indicate that on Thursday, 29 September, 2022, police officers opened fire against peaceful protesters marching on the streets of Manzini. The same information indicated that the protesters were demanding political dialogue as a possible solution to the ongoing tensions in the country. Our sources also confirmed that this peaceful protest was organised by the Swaziland United Democratic Front (SUDF).
ITUC-Africa strongly condemns the use of force against citizens for merely protesting. Protest is not a crime and banning it is counterproductive. For emphasis, Eswatini (Swaziland) is a signatory to several African and international instruments protecting the right to peaceful assembly, expression and opinion. These instruments, which include the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, the African Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are all unambiguous on the sanctity of these rights, which also include the right to association. Banning protests and ordering shoot-at-sight orders negates democracy and human rights.
Mr Prime Minister, we are worried that your government has continued to apply deadly force against political opponents since the current political impasse began last year. This use of disproportionate and fatal force has led to the avoidable death of dozens of civilians. We ask that these killings and use of intimidation must stop forthwith.
We urge your government to embrace an open, inclusive and genuine dialogue with all the relevant stakeholders in the country.
Yours sincerely,
Kwasi ADU-AMANKWAH
General Secretary, ITUC-Africa
