Lawyer and human rights campaigner Femi Falana has charged Eswatini authorities to investigate the murder of his African colleague Thulani Maseko.

The Eswatini human rights lawyer was assassinated in the presence of his wife and two children at his home in Luyengo, Mbabane, on January 21.

Mr Falana implied it was suspicious that the assassination of Mr Maseko, a fierce critic of the government, “occurred on the same day the King of Eswatini made a veiled threat against members of the country’s pro-democracy movement.” 

Mr Falana further asserted in a statement that “The Kingdom of Eswatini is known for persistent violations of human rights and repression of human rights lawyers and defenders. This assassination shows the appalling human rights record of the government.”

The renowned lawyer reaffirmed the claims of the UN and AU experts who suspect that Mr Maseko may have been deliberately targeted because of his advocacy for human rights. 

Accusing Eswatini authorities of criminalising the work of human rights lawyers and defenders, Mr Falana asked the international community to hold the Eswatini government accountable for the murder of Mr Maseko.

“International legal action would be pursued if the government fails to promptly, thoroughly, and effectively investigate the killing, ensure prosecution of the perpetrators(s) and access to justice and effective remedies for the victim and his family,” Mr Falana stressed.