Swift probe urged over Eswatini activist's killing

The murder of Eswatini rights campaigner Thulani Maseko, who was shot dead at her house on Sunday, has drawn "grave concern" from the Sadc regional grouping in South Africa.

President Hage Geingob of Namibia, who is in charge of the political and security organ of the Sadc, said in a statement that Mr. Maseko was leading a coalition that had been formed to promote national discussion as a means of resolving the political situation in the kingdom at the time of his death.

The bloc demanded of the Eswatini administration that "any or all persons accused of committing this horrific act are brought to justice" and that the case "be examined immediately, transparently, and thoroughly."

Sadc urged the public to maintain their composure while the required investigations were being conducted while sending its condolences to Mr. Maseko's family and the nation.

While expressing its condolences to Mr Maseko’s family and the nation, Sadc called on the people to remain calm while the appropriate investigations are done and the matter is concluded.

It stated that discussion should continue in order to address the country's political and security problems.

It happened at the same time that the US demanded an impartial investigation into the slaying, stating that it was still "very worried" about Eswatini's ongoing violence and urging political engagement.

Eswatini, the last absolute monarchy on the continent, has seen waves of pro-democracy demonstrations over the past two years.

To disperse protesters, security personnel in the nation frequently resort to excessive force.