Warrant of arrest issued for advocates for Eswatini democracy

Warrants of arrest have reportedly been issued against two members of parliament at Eswatini, Bacede Mabuza and Mduduzi Simelane.

Mabuza and Simelane, also known as Magawugawu, are among those who are advocating for democracy in Eswatini.

Their legal representative, Thulani Maseko, has confirmed that the warrants of arrest have been issued, however, they have not yet been arrested.

Maseko says, “Our understanding between me and the clients is that as soon as they get the court process, they will give me a call. Then I will make my way wherever they will be and then begin to trigger the legal system.”

“We don’t know the basis of the warrant of arrest at the moment. Our plan is to then approach the court to have them released either on bail. These are people who are well known in Swaziland (Eswatini) and we believe they have not committed any crime so the court should be able to release them,” added Maseko.

SADC’s return to Eswatini as pro-democracy civil groups raise red flags:

SADC calls for dialogue to resolve unrest in Eswatini

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has urged the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini to engage in dialogue to resolve the impasse that led to a week of pro-democracy protests.

A SADC delegation is in the land-locked kingdom on a fact-finding mission.

The President of Botswana and Chairperson of the SADC Troika, Dr Mogweetsi Masisi, was accompanied by Botswana Minister of International Affairs, Dr Lemohang Kwape. They met with the acting Eswatini Prime Minister, Themba Masuku.

Calm returns following week-long pro-democracy protests:

Following receipt of the reports on the recent political & security disturbances in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Chair of the SADC Organ @OfficialMasisi dispatched a Fact-Finding Mission. Here is the statement by the SADC Organ Chair: https://t.co/DpEK93ZdFN @DrTaxs @MIACBW pic.twitter.com/pX4kCi5WsW

— SADC Secretariat (@SADC_News) July 6, 2021