Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is the last absolute monarchy in Africa. King Mswati has ruled the country since 1986 and has been greatly criticized for closing the democratic space through banning political parties, crushing opposition and excessive state violence. As political parties are banned, people can only contest for parliament seats as individuals. The parliament only exists to play an advisory role.

Human rights defenders and opposition politicians have been leading voices in speaking out against the rise of authoritarianism in the country, making them the primary targets of repression and harassment. Last year human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was shot dead in his home in front of his wife and children for speaking out about Eswatini's repressive laws and state violence. No one has been held responsible.

What is the way forward for Eswatini? How can unions, human rights defenders and the opposition mobilize for change? What role should South Africa and SADC play and what responsibility does the international community have? And how can activists and human rights defenders in and out of the country be included in strategic platforms both at a regional and international level?

New tracks tagged #swaziland