Civil Society Organizations in eSwatini Face Daunting Challenges

Civil society organizations in eSwatini, the small landlock country in Southern Africa formerly known as Swaziland, are facing daunting challenges. In working with private funders active in Africa over the past two decades, this country is rarely mentioned. When eSwatini appears on my news feed, the headline is usually about the lavish lifestyle of the royal family of Africa's only monarchy. But over the past months, the headlines have been about citizen protests, the numbers of injured or killed and the call for government accountability. Adding to the already limited information about eSwatini, the government also suspended internet access for a short period.

In July 2021 AGAG organized two conversations with international and local human rights activists to learn more. In my previous blog, I discussed our first conversation on July 19, 2021 that provided useful background and an overview of the events that lead to the protests. On July 29 we organized the second conversation with social justice activists based in Mbabane, the capital and largest city, and site of the protests.

Ashley Green-Thompson, Coordinator of ACT Ubumbano, served as the moderator. He was joined by two social justice activists who spoke in their individual capacity, Lomcebo Dlamini who is a gender specialist and human rights defender, and Melusi Matsenjwa who is an advocate. All three live and work in eSwatini.

They discussed the daily challenges facing social justice organizations and how philanthropy can support those working on the frontlines to serve their communities. They noted the stark contrast between the living standards of the ruling monarchy and the average citizen. Living conditions have deteriorated over the past two decades with few employment opportunities and critical shortages of food and health care.

They characterized the civil society sector as fragmented with only a few organizations able to be visible. There is an atmosphere of intimidation especially for human rights activists and their families. Donor interest has been limited and prescriptive with minimal interest in addressing community needs or supporting community mobilization. In person meetings have been banned due to the coronavirus and a result, in some cases, funding has been discontinued. Infections rates are increasing and despite a recent shipment of vaccines there is no national vaccination plan.

The immediate needs range from support for psycho-social services for people who have been traumatized by injury or death to access to legal services to strengthening local organizations. Connecting with civil society organizations operating in countries where the government has become increasingly more repressive to share strategies was also cited as helpful. They also emphasized the importance of pressure from the international community.

The questions raised by the events in eSwatini underscore the critical role of civil society organizations as advocates for citizens. Repressive policies that erode transparency and accountability create a dangerous environment for organizations operating under these conditions. When situations like what is happening in eSwatini unfold, civil society organizations need flexible and immediate support.

Listen to " Challenges Facing Civil Society in eSwatini" HERE

Listen to " Understanding Recent Developments in eSwatini” HERE

Read the blog: "Call for Change in eSwatini HERE