The assassination of prominent pro-democracy activist and human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko in Eswatini has sparked outrage across the country. Maseko was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on April 17, 2021, by unknown assailants.
The death of Maseko, who was also a fierce critic of the country’s autocratic ruler, King Mswati III, has been widely condemned by civil society, political activists, and rights groups. His death has been seen as a direct attack on the country’s pro-democracy movement and a sign of increasing political repression.
The government has vowed to investigate the death and bring those responsible to justice. However, many are skeptical that the government will actually follow through with its promises.