Risch, Coons, Booker, Scott Applaud Senate Passage of Resolution Condemning Eswatini’s Human Rights Record

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Chris Coons (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today applauded the Senate's unanimous passage of their resolution that condemns the human rights record of the government of Eswatini and the killing of Eswatini human rights activist Thulani Maseko.

"I am pleased the Senate passed my resolution with Senator Coons condemning Eswatini's human rights record and Thulani Maseko's murder," said Risch. "The Eswatini government should heed the Senate's call to fully probe Maseko's murder, uphold human rights, and conduct meaningful and comprehensive dialogue on democratic reforms."

"I applaud the passage of my bipartisan resolution condemning the human rights record of the government of Eswatini and the brutal murder of Thulani Maseko, who was a strong advocate for human rights," said Coons. "Maseko fought tirelessly to improve human rights and civil liberties in the Kingdom. However, over a year after his death, no substantial progress on an independent investigation into his killing has been made. Even worse: his family members, including his widow Tanele Maseko, continue to face harassment at the hands of the government. I condemn the Kingdom's failure to undertake an independent investigation into Maseko's assassination, and I will continue to fight for justice for him and his family. I will also continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to seek wider improvements to the Kingdom's human rights record."

"Thulani Maseko was a dedicated advocate for human rights and civil liberties in Eswatini," said Booker. "I am pleased that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have come together to condemn this murder and urge accountability and justice for his family. We must continue our work to protect and defend human rights in Eswatini and beyond."

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves' is a constant reminder in Scripture for the role of any public servant," said Scott. "I'm grateful for the Senate unanimously condemning the worsening cycle of political violence and suppression of free speech in Eswatini. Transparency and accountability must be restored with respect to public officials complicit in extrajudicial killings, torture, and other egregious human rights violations."

Background:

Eswatini is Africa's last absolute monarchy, currently ruled by King Mswati III. Human rights abuses in the Kingdom are common, including unlawful killings, arbitrary detention, and serious restrictions on freedom of expression. This resolution calls on the government of Eswatini to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into the assassination of Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer in Eswatini who was shot and killed by an unknown gunman on January 21, 2023. Eswatini authorities have failed to announce progress on an independent investigation to identify those responsible for Maseko's killing, and advocates believe Maseko was killed because of his agitation for human rights.

Text of the resolution can be found here.

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