… Following the killing of Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– Calm, exercise, and due care!
This is what Namibia President, Hage Gottfried Geingob, speaking as SADC Troika Chairperson, is pleading for in the country, following the killing of Human Rights Lawyer Thulani Maseko.
The Chairperson and President said SADC called for the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini to remain calm, exercise due care and consideration while the appropriate structures conduct the investigations and bring the matter to completion.
“The Southern African Development Community (SADC) notes with deep concern reports coming out of Eswatini about the killing of Mr. Thulani Rudolf Maseko, a leading human rights lawyer, and political activist in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“The Community regrets the untimely death of Maseko. At his death, Mr. Maseko was Chairperson of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, which was established as a coalition of non-State actors to advocate for a process of national political dialogue aimed at resolving the security and political challenges confronting the Kingdom,” said His Excellency.
The Namibian President further said SADC expressed its deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of Maseko, his friends, colleagues, and to the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini for the loss of Maseko.
He went on to say SADC also called upon the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to ensure that the killing of Maseko is swiftly, transparently, and comprehensively investigated and that any or all persons suspected of committing this heinous crime were brought to justice.
“SADC reiterates the need for a peaceful resolution of the political and security challenges affecting the country. When dialogue fails, people go to war. Therefore, we propose that national and inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue takes place.”
