In a striking condemnation of Eswatini’s treatment of political dissenters, Amnesty International has officially recognized two of the nation's parliament members, Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, as ‘prisoners of conscience’. This decision comes four years after their initial arrest in 2021, which followed their calls for political reforms and constitutional changes in the country.

The arrests of Mabuza and Dube were linked to their outspoken support for legal and constitutional reforms, which led to their conviction on charges of terrorism and sedition. The Eswatini High Court handed down severe sentences in July 2024, with Mabuza and Dube receiving 85 and 58 years in prison, respectively. Amnesty's designation underscores a growing international concern about Eswatini's use of the justice system to suppress dissent and punish government critics.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stated, “By designating Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube as prisoners of conscience, Amnesty International affirms that they should never have been arrested in the first place. Their continued arbitrary detention highlights a deepening climate of repression in Eswatini.”

Further complicating matters, the appeal process has been fraught with delays, raising alarms about the independence of the judiciary and the right to a fair trial in Eswatini. These concerns were echoed in Amnesty's earlier criticisms regarding the judicial handling of Mabuza's case.

The targeting of Mabuza and Dube is part of a broader pattern of political repression in the nation. In September 2024, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Eswatini's main opposition party, claimed that their leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, survived an attempted assassination by poisoning. This incident, coupled with the unresolved murder of human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko in 2023, has intensified scrutiny on the government's actions against its detractors.

King Mswati III, who maintains absolute control over the nation, has been criticized for his unchecked power, particularly his influence over all governmental branches. Amnesty International has urgently called for the quashing of the convictions and sentences of the imprisoned MPs, demanding their immediate and unconditional release.

As international awareness grows and pressure mounts, the global community watches closely, hoping for a shift towards greater respect for human rights and democratic freedoms in Eswatini. The plight of Mabuza, Dube, and other silenced voices continues to draw significant attention, signaling a critical moment in the country’s political discourse.