Political parties from Eswatini and Civil Society Organisations from some SADC countries have called on the regional body to facilitate dialogue between role players in Africa's last absolute monarch.

The call was made at a media conference, which was held on the sidelines of the just-ended SADC Troika Summit in Windhoek.

The Kingdom of Eswatini has witnessed an intense uprising in recent years, a severe revolt since the abolishment of the multi-party system in the 1970s.

Eswatini formerly known as Swaziland has recently been rocked with demonstrations, calling for democratic reforms.

The latest incident that sparked an outcry, not only in that country but beyond, is the assassination of Human Rights lawyer and activist Thulani Maseko in the past few weeks.

Both SADC and the AU have reiterated their call for a dialogue.

The President of the People United Democratic Movement of Eswatini, Mlungisi Makhanya said " let us not allow the people of Swaziland without attention paid to them." 

The President of Swazi First Democratic Front of Eswatini, Busi Mayisela said to lobby SADC to concentrate on Swaziland, they are in a dire state now, their country is a police state, the situation in the country is really bad because the lives in the country are not valued anymore, adding that the government does not value the lives of emSwati. 

Various civil society organisation representatives from Swaziland, South Africa and Zimbabwe expressed optimism in the SADC region to stop the standoff in Eswatini and pave the way for a democratic process and election. 

These independent observers say the various SADC initiatives aimed at bringing different players for a peaceful dialogue have not yielded any positive results and therefore it is time to change the gear in ensuring a lasting solution to the political situation in Eswathini.

Representatives from Namibian civil societies also showed solidarity with the people of Eswatini.

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NBC Digital News

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Jefta Tjihumino