Written By Lisa Murimi
Eswatini’s main opposition leader, Mlungisi Makhanya, has reportedly been poisoned in an assassination attempt, according to his party, the People’s United Democratic Movement (Pudemo).
Makhanya, 46, has been in exile in South Africa for two years, fearing for his life after a violent crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
Pudemo said Makhanya is in critical but stable condition at a Pretoria hospital after being poisoned at his home by an alleged agent of the Eswatini government.
The party claims the attempt on his life comes ahead of planned protests calling for multi-party elections.
Eswatini government spokesman Alpheous Nxumalo denied any involvement, stating,
government does not kill or poison suspects.
The Makhanya, a prominent pro-democracy leader, fled Eswatini after his home was firebombed last year.
His party, banned from participating in elections, continues to push for democratic reforms in the country ruled by King Mswati III since 1986.
The Swaziland Solidarity Network condemned the attack, calling for South Africa to protect exiled activists.
Tensions remain high as opposition groups vow to continue their protests next month, despite escalating repression from the Eswatini government
