SADC ACCUSED OF UNDERMINING VALUE OF LIFE IN ESWATINI

MBABANE – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been accused of undermining the value of life in Eswatini.

According to Qhawekazi Khumalo from the communications department of the United Eswatini Diaspora in a press statement sent yesterday, she alleged that a festival of human rights violation in Eswatini, brutality, intimidation and threats by state police on innocent civilians continued while SADC undermined the value of life in the country. She said the maintenance of peace and stability in the African region were principles enshrined in the SADC Declaration and Treaty at the same time, human rights remained subject to the state-centric international structure.

promote

She said SADC was supposed to promote peace and security, stability and development, democratic institutions and governance, the rule of law, respect for human rights and equity and solidarity in the region. She noted that the abuse by SADC of its diplomatic relations and engagement were clear in Organ Troika’s non- action for crisis interventions in Eswatini according to Khumalo. She said SADC had the authority and capacity under its Troika Protocol to prevent, manage and resolve conflict by peaceful means including preventive diplomacy, negotiations, conciliation and mediation. “SADC has taken regressive steps to weaken and undermine key right protection mechanisms for Eswatini and its people. SADC is obligated to act as individuals human rights are not protected by the legal system in Eswatini; there is an authoritarian rule, government unaccountability and the exploitation of state resources for the preservation of power for the absolute monarchy’s untransformed autocracy,” she alleged.

marred

Eswatini has been marred by political unrest which culminated in the looting, vandalism and burning of some business establishments due to calls for political reforms. Khumalo highlighted that SADC had not been explicit in addressing human rights violations publicly, nor has it attempted to use its authority, influence and resources to bring positive change for human rights in Eswatini. She added that regardless of the ideological context within which deliberations on human rights took place in Eswatini and in spite of the categorisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms; humans including the people of Eswatini were entitled to the entire scope of these rights not because they were members of any society but because they were members of the community of humankind and human rights, justice and fairness had a part in the conduct of relations between SADC and Eswatini. “SADC should note that the principles of sovereignty and non-intervention do not constitute a barrier to concerns for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

intervention

‘‘The principle of non-intervention in internal affairs enjoys equal status with the principle of respect for human rights, including civil and political rights, freedom of expression and freedom of association,” she added. In a recent interview with Percy Simelane, the Director of Communications in the King’s Office, he said they did not see SADC, the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) embracing change achieved through twisting the arms of the system. Some of the impediments the United Eswatini Diaspora wanted removed included;

The immediate ceasing of police brutality and hostilities towards citizens.
The total unbanning of political parties.
An all-inclusive political dialogue.
A transitional authority.

A multiparty democracy dispensation.
A new democratic constitution.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: