Eswatini Opposition Leader Poisoned in Assassination Attempt

Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of Eswatini's main opposition party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), was reportedly poisoned in an assassination attempt while in exile in South Africa. Makhanya, 46, is currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition after the alleged attack, which PUDEMO claims was executed by an unnamed individual acting on behalf of the Swazi government. The incident has raised concerns about ongoing violence against political dissidents in Eswatini, where the government has been accused of suppressing pro-democracy movements under King Mswati III’s rule. Government spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo has denied any state involvement, emphasizing that the government does not engage in acts of violence against suspects. Makhanya's poisoning coincides with planned protests advocating for multi-party elections, as political parties in Eswatini remain banned from participating in elections. The situation highlights the perilous environment for activists in a country notorious for its lack of political freedoms and recent history of violence against dissenters.